Mitchell Starc claimed 10 wickets for the fourth time in his Test career as Australia defeated Bangladesh by an innings and 51 runs in the second Test in Mackay, leveling the two-match series 1-1.
Starc and Cummins Dominate Bangladesh's Batting
Starc took 6-12 in the first innings as Bangladesh were dismissed for just 64 on day one. He followed with 4-39 on Sunday, finishing with match figures of 10-51. Captain Pat Cummins also contributed with 3-10 as Bangladesh were bowled out for 95 in their second innings.
Australia's first innings total of 210 was the fourth-lowest in Test history to secure an innings victory. The match ended inside two days, the third time in the last seven Tests in Australia to finish so quickly.
Fast-Forward Finish and Captain's Assessment
"It seemed to happen in fast-forward," Cummins said. "The pitch was pretty good. It didn't really feel like a 30-wicket, five-session Test match, but it seems to be the way a few of these Test matches are going."
"There was some really good bowling in there at times, some below average batting – myself included – so that's probably why it was a bit accelerated."
Bangladesh were bowled out shortly after tea on day two, with Nathan Lyon taking two wickets in three balls to leave Mushfiqur Rahim unbeaten on 29.
Bangladesh's Disappointment and Shoriful's Record
"It is disappointing, to be really honest, but I think the toss was a big factor," Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said. "Especially in the first innings batting was quite difficult, but no excuses - we didn't bat well and they bowled very well."
Bangladesh's left-arm quick Shoriful Islam returned the all-time best away figures in an innings for his country, taking 7-48. His haul surpassed left-arm spinner Taijul Islam's briefly-held record of 7-138, set in Harare in June.
Shoriful, who missed the first Test with a side strain, is just 25 and appears set to lead Bangladesh's attack for years to come.
Green's Contribution and Series Outcome
Cameron Green was ninth man out for 67 in Australia's first innings, taking his series aggregate to 184, the best of either side. His dismissal came from an unplayable inswinger that hit him on the toe in front.
Green and Lyon resumed on day two with Australia at 8-165 and added 38 runs for the ninth wicket, with Lyon scoring a cameo 32. Starc also took a hat-trick opportunity for the second time in the match, dismissing Shadman Islam and Mominul Haque with successive deliveries.
The series ended 1-1 after Bangladesh's nine-wicket win in the first Test in Darwin, a result that was described as one of cricket's most profound upsets.
