Australia lead by 101 in 2nd Bangladesh Test as 18 wickets fall on day one

SportsAustralia lead by 101 in 2nd Bangladesh Test as 18 wickets fall on day oneBy AFP -Aug 22, 2026Add ARY News on GoogleAAResizeAustralia scratched out a 101-run lead over Bangladesh on Saturday in the second Test, with 18 wickets falling on day one after Mitchell Starc and Shoriful Islam both took six in a fast-bowling masterclass. Home skipper Pat Cummins won the toss in Mackay and his pacemen feasted, determined to bounce back from a shock nine-wicket loss in the first Test at Darwin. They skittled Bangladesh for 64 with an irrepressible Starc the destroyer in an incredible spell of swing and seam, taking five wickets in 22 balls during the morning session to end with 6-12 from 10 overs. Only a last-wicket partnership of 25 between Taijul Islam (11 not out) and Shoriful (14) took Bangladesh past their lowest Test score of 43, which came against the West Indies in 2018. In reply, Australia stumbled to 165-8 at stumps with Darwin century-maker Cameron Green standing tall on 51 alongside Nathan Lyon (10). Shoriful, who missed the first Test injured, was the hero with a career-best 6-35. “It was just getting our lengths a bit fuller, using the bouncer a bit more and holding onto our catches,” said Starc. Josh Hazlewood had nothing but praise for his long-term bowling partner, calling him “phenomenal”. “He just gets on a roll sometimes. Amazing to watch,” he said. Australia started well in reply but then lost three wickets for 19 runs. Matt Renshaw, recalled for the first time since 2023 when opener Jake Weatherald was axed after Darwin, failed to repay selectors’ faith, gone for eight after edging Taskin Ahmed to Tanzid Hasan at third slip. Fellow opener Travis Head (22) was bowled by Shoriful before he repeated the feat with under-pressure Marnus Labuschagne (four), who was desperate for a big score. Steve Smith looked set, methodically compiling 42, but he was undone by a fuller length Shoriful delivery that hit him on the pads. Alex Carey (five) holed out off Me...