Bangladesh on top as Mahmud rocks Australia: 1st Test, Day 1 (Darwin)

Australia suffered a dramatic collapse on the opening day of the first Test against Bangladesh in Darwin, being bowled out for 198 after choosing to bat.

Steve Smith provided the backbone of the innings with a determined 71 from 109 balls, but Bangladesh’s attack kept Australia under pressure throughout. Hasan Mahmud was the star, claiming a career-best 6–55 as the hosts repeatedly lost wickets in clusters.

Bangladesh finished the day firmly in control at 96/1, only 102 runs behind Australia. Tanzid Hasan (35)* and Mominul Haque (32)* negotiated the Australian attack comfortably in the final session after Shadman Islam was dismissed by Mitchell Starc.

Starc’s wicket also saw him move past 434 Test wickets, becoming the most successful left-arm bowler in Test history. Bangladesh will begin Day 2 with an excellent opportunity to establish a substantial first-innings lead.

Bangladesh 96 for 1 (Mominul 35, Tanzid 32) trail Australia 198 (Smith 71, Mahmud 6-55, Ebadot 2-39, Taskin 2-55) by 102 runs.

Aug 2026.