DARWIN, Australia — In a stunning opening to Bangladesh’s first test match on Australian soil in 21 years, the visitors’ fast-bowling trio of Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain turned favorable pitch conditions in the Top End to their advantage, leaving host Australia in a precarious position at 74 for four wickets at the close of Thursday’s first session.
Australian captain Pat Cummins won the coin toss and elected to bat first, a decision that looked solid early as the hosts raced to 45 unbeaten without losing a wicket. But Hasan Mahmud turned the tide dramatically in two consecutive overs, starting with the dismissal of Darwin-born opener Jake Weatherald. Backed by a loud, partisan local crowd, Weatherald never found rhythm on the green-tinged wicket, and he threw away his wicket with a reckless slash at a wide delivery from Hasan, departing for 23 off 37 deliveries.
In Hasan’s next over, Australia lost their second opener, Travis Head, who chopped a round-the-wicket delivery back onto his stumps for 22, sliding the home side to 52 for two. Ebadot Hossain followed up with the key wicket of Australian star batter Marnus Labuschagne, caught by Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. The quick also came close to dismissing Steve Smith, but a dropped catch at third slip let the former captain off the hook.
All-rounder Cameron Green became Bangladesh’s fourth wicket just before the lunch break, as the visitors capitalized fully on their strong start to the opening match of the two-test Top End series. At the first interval, Steve Smith remained not out on seven.
This series also marks a key milestone for Australia’s pace attack, with captain Pat Cummins — playing just his second test in 13 months — reuniting with regular frontline fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc. The group is backed by veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon, along with all-rounders Green and Beau Webster, as Australia prepares for a grueling 12-month calendar packed with 20 test matches. After the Top End series against Bangladesh, Australia will embark on away tours to South Africa, India and England as part of this heavy schedule.