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Australia produced a dominant comeback in the second Test against Bangladesh as Mitchell Starc completed a sensational 10-wicket haul to lead the hosts to an innings-and-51-run victory at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay. The emphatic result allowed Australia to level the two-match series 1-1 after Bangladesh had won the opening Test in Darwin.
Starc was the undisputed star of the match, finishing with extraordinary figures of 10 for 51. The left-arm quick claimed 6 for 12 in Bangladesh’s first innings before adding another four wickets in the second innings.
Mitchell Starc Tears Through Bangladesh Again
Bangladesh began the second Test hoping to build on their historic victory in the opening match, but their batting lineup had no answer to Starc’s pace and movement.
The Australian fast bowler produced a devastating spell in the first innings, taking six wickets for just 12 runs as Bangladesh collapsed to 64 all out. Five of his wickets came in a remarkable 22-ball burst, setting the tone for Australia’s dominance.
Starc’s performance was particularly damaging because Bangladesh lost wickets in clusters. Four batters were dismissed without scoring as Australia relentlessly attacked the visitors’ top order.
The result was Bangladesh’s lowest total of the match and gave Australia a huge advantage from the outset.
Australia Take a 101-Run First-Innings Lead
Despite their bowlers’ brilliance, Australia’s batting lineup also experienced problems.
Shoriful Islam responded brilliantly for Bangladesh, taking 6 for 35 as Australia slipped to 165 for eight on the opening day. His spell gave Bangladesh hope of recovering after their own batting collapse.
However, Cameron Green provided crucial resistance.
Green finished Australia’s innings with 67 runs, helping the hosts reach 210 and secure a valuable 101-run first-innings lead over Bangladesh.
That lead proved decisive because Australia’s bowlers were able to put Bangladesh under enormous pressure again in the second innings.
Bangladesh Collapse for 95 in the Second Innings
Bangladesh needed a dramatically improved batting performance to force Australia back to the crease.
Instead, the visitors collapsed again.
Starc immediately returned to the attack and removed Shadman Islam and Mominul Haque with consecutive deliveries, putting Bangladesh under further pressure. He later dismissed Litton Das and Taijul Islam to complete his second four-wicket haul of the match.
Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for only 95, meaning they could not even make Australia bat again.
Their combined scores of 64 and 95 highlighted just how dominant Australia’s bowling attack was on the Mackay surface.
Starc Joins an Elite Group
Starc’s 10-wicket match haul was not only crucial for Australia but also another major achievement in his outstanding Test career.
The veteran fast bowler recorded the fourth 10-wicket haul of his Test career and moved beyond South African great Dale Steyn to 10th place on the all-time Test wicket list with 445 wickets.
His performance reinforced his status as one of the most destructive fast bowlers of his generation.
At 36, Starc continues to produce match-winning spells at the highest level, and his performance in Mackay was arguably the defining individual display of the series.
Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon Add to Bangladesh’s Problems
Starc was not alone in Australia’s bowling attack.
Captain Pat Cummins contributed three wickets in the match, including a strong spell during Bangladesh’s first innings. Nathan Lyon also played an important role, taking three wickets as Australia completed the victory.
The combined pressure from Australia’s pace and spin attack left Bangladesh struggling to establish partnerships.
On a bouncy Mackay pitch, Australia exploited the conditions far more effectively than they had in the opening Test in Darwin.
Shoriful Islam Provides Bangladesh a Bright Spot
Although Bangladesh suffered a heavy defeat, Shoriful Islam produced an outstanding individual performance.
The left-arm seamer claimed 7 for 48 in the match, including his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket and the best away innings figures by a Bangladeshi bowler.
His six-wicket haul in Australia’s first innings briefly gave Bangladesh hope after their own batting collapse.
However, the lack of support from the rest of the batting and bowling unit meant Shoriful’s efforts were not enough to prevent Australia from taking control.
Australia Bounce Back After First-Test Defeat
The victory was particularly important for Australia because Bangladesh had shocked them in the first Test in Darwin.
Australia therefore entered the second Test under pressure to respond.
They did so emphatically.
The innings-and-51-run victory not only levelled the series but also demonstrated Australia’s ability to adapt to dramatically different playing conditions. The Darwin surface had offered a much flatter contest, while the Mackay pitch provided significantly more assistance to fast bowlers.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto acknowledged the challenge of adapting to the different conditions after the match.
Bangladesh’s Historic Tour Still Has Positives
Despite the heavy defeat, Bangladesh’s tour of Australia should not be judged solely by the second Test.
The visitors returned to Australia for their first Test series there in 18 years and managed to win the opening match in Darwin.
That victory demonstrated Bangladesh’s growing ability to compete away from home and gave the team valuable experience against one of Test cricket’s strongest sides.
However, the Mackay Test also exposed the importance of adapting quickly to different surfaces and conditions.
What the Result Means for Australia
For Australia, the second Test victory provides significant momentum heading into a demanding period of Test cricket.
Starc’s form will be particularly encouraging, while Cameron Green’s 67 showed his ability to contribute when Australia’s batting order was under pressure.
However, the match also exposed concerns about Australia’s batting consistency. Several established batters failed to make substantial contributions, meaning the bowling attack once again carried much of the responsibility.
Australia will need greater consistency with the bat as they prepare for a packed Test schedule.
Series Ends 1-1
Australia’s victory means the two-match Test series finishes 1-1.
Bangladesh will leave Australia with the satisfaction of having achieved a historic victory in Darwin, while Australia can take confidence from their emphatic response in Mackay.
For Starc, however, the second Test will be remembered above everything else.
His 10 wickets for 51 runs transformed the match and gave Australia one of their most dominant victories of the series.
AUS vs BAN Test Day 2 belonged to Mitchell Starc and Australia.
After Bangladesh were dismissed for 64 in the first innings, Starc returned to claim another four wickets as the visitors collapsed for 95. Australia needed only 210 runs in their own innings to secure an innings-and-51-run victory.
Starc finished with 10 wickets in the match, while Cameron Green’s 67 and important contributions from Cummins and Lyon helped Australia complete a comprehensive turnaround.
The result levels the series at 1-1, but Starc’s extraordinary performance will remain the defining moment of the second Test.
Bangladesh may have won the first battle in Darwin, but in Mackay, Starc and Australia delivered a crushing response.
