DARWIN - Fast bowler Hasan Mahmud produced a career-best performance with 6-55 to power Bangladesh into a commanding position on the opening day of the first Test against Australia, dismissing the hosts for a modest 198 before the visitors closed on 96-1, trailing by just 102 runs.
The 26-year-old spearheaded a disciplined pace attack as Bangladesh recorded Australia’s lowest-ever Test total against them, surpassing the previous low of 217 in Mirpur in 2017. Hasan received excellent support from Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain, who claimed two wickets apiece to complete a dominant bowling display. “I was just trying to bowl the right line and length, trust the process and follow the captain’s plans,” Hasan said after registering the best figures of his Test career.
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Australia’s batting lineup struggled throughout the day, with only Steve Smith offering significant resistance. The veteran batter compiled 71 after surviving two early chances, while no other Australian managed to build a substantial innings. Captain Pat Cummins’ decision to bat first on a favourable Darwin surface failed to deliver the desired result as Bangladesh’s seamers exploited disciplined lines and movement to devastating effect.
Bangladesh then strengthened their grip on the contest with a confident start to their reply. Mominul Haque remained unbeaten on 35, while Tanzid Hasan was not out on 32, guiding the visitors to 96-1 at stumps. Shadman Islam contributed 20 before becoming Mitchell Starc’s lone success of the day. Reflecting on Australia’s struggles, Smith admitted the home side failed to cope with Bangladesh’s relentless bowling. “We haven’t played a Test for a while, and it wasn’t easy. The ball was doing plenty, and perhaps we chased deliveries we didn’t need to,” Smith said.
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