Bangladesh Dominate Australia As Hasan Mahmud’s Six-Wicket Haul Rocks Darwin Test

Bangladesh enjoyed a memorable return to Test cricket in Australia after 23 years, taking firm control of the series opener on Thursday.

The visitors bowled out Australia for 198 at Marrara Oval before reaching 96/1 by the close of play.

Hasan Mahmud delivered an outstanding spell, finishing with 6/55 and recording the third-best Test figures by a Bangladesh fast bowler.

Australia began confidently after Pat Cummins won the toss, reaching 45 without loss during the opening hour. Mahmud then changed the course of the innings by removing both opening batters.

Jake Weatherald, making his Test debut in his home city, managed 23 before edging a loose drive to the slips. Travis Head followed for 22 after chopping the ball onto his stumps.

Marnus Labuschagne struggled to score freely and departed for one from 20 deliveries after nicking Ebadot Hossain to the slips.

Cameron Green added only 13 before Taskin Ahmed had him caught at short midwicket, leaving Australia at 74/4.

Steve Smith provided Australia with their strongest batting contribution, making 71 during a 55-run partnership with wicketkeeper Alex Carey.

Carey scored 19 before Hossain claimed his second wicket by forcing him to chop onto his stumps. Taskin then dismissed Beau Webster for 12 before Mahmud returned to finish Australia’s innings.

Smith became Mahmud’s final victim after top-edging a shot to a close fielder.

Bangladesh’s top order responded confidently against Australia’s pace attack and Nathan Lyon as the pitch eased.

Mitchell Starc removed Shadman Islam for 20, but Tanzid Hasan and Mominul Haque prevented further damage.

Tanzid remained unbeaten on 32, while Mominul reached 35 not out as the pair shared an unbeaten 60-run stand.

Starc’s dismissal of Shadman also took his Test wicket tally to 434, moving him past Sri Lankan spinner Rangana Herath as the leading wicket-taker among left-arm bowlers.

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