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Mahmud routs Australia
Bangladesh began their first Test tour of Australia since 2003 by skittling Australia for 198 on day one at Marrara Oval in Darwin, with Hasan Mahmud taking 6-55 to lead the rout.
“taking 6-55 at Marrara Oval to rout Pat Cummins's team for 198”
Reuters said Mahmud’s haul included the wicket of Steve Smith for 71 before tea, and that Bangladesh reached stumps in command at 96 for one.
Sky Sports reported that Hasan Mahmud took a career-best 6-55 and that Bangladesh cut the first-innings deficit to 102 after reaching 96-1 at stumps.
The day’s turning point came after Pat Cummins won the toss and Australia raced to 45 without loss before Mahmud struck in his sixth and seventh overs to remove Jake Weatherald (23) and Travis Head (22).
Reuters added that Bangladesh’s top order batted with patience and resilience to finish at 96 for one, with Tanzid Hasan on 32 not out and Mominul Haque on 35 not out.
Smith and Ponting react
Steve Smith, who top-scored for Australia with 71, told Reuters, "Yeah, not our best. Still plenty of cricket to be played, obviously," after Bangladesh reduced the hosts to 198.
Sky Sports also quoted Smith saying, "It would have been nice to have taken a few more [wickets]."
Sky Sports reported that former captain Ricky Ponting questioned Australia’s selectors on Channel 7, saying, "my worry is, when do they do that?" and adding that he saw an "opportunity here that may have been missed."
Reuters described how Starc made the sole breakthrough by removing Shadman Islam for 20, but that the rest of Australia’s batting struggled against Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain.
In reply, Reuters said Starc’s dismissal of Shadman set up a 60-run partnership, with Tanzid Hasan and Mominul Haque seeing Bangladesh safely to stumps at 96 for one.
Day two pressure and stakes
With Bangladesh trailing by 102 runs at stumps after reaching 96-1, the next day’s stakes are shaped by how Australia’s batting collapsed to 198 in 53 overs at Marrara Stadium.
“Nahid Rana ruled out of the series and left-armer Shoriful Islam also sidelined”
Reuters said Bangladesh’s pace attack was gutted by injuries, with Nahid Rana ruled out of the series and left-armer Shoriful Islam sidelined until the second and final test in Mackay.
Sky Sports reported that Australia were beginning a schedule of at least 20 Tests over the coming 12 months, including tours of New Zealand, South Africa, India and England where The Ashes begins at Trent Bridge from June 18.
Reuters also noted that Smith hoped Bangladesh would find similar conditions early on day two, after he said the pitch was "tacky" with dew in the morning when Australia’s top order struggled.
The Guardian framed the day as Bangladesh exposing Australia’s batting frailties, with Hasan Mahmud starring with 6 for 55 as Australia were bundled out for 198 in 53 overs.
