Australia vs Bangladesh Test Underway in Darwin as Bangladesh Bowlers Dominate Day One

The first Test between Australia and Bangladesh is underway at Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin, with Bangladesh producing a stunning performance on the opening day. Australia, after winning the toss and choosing to bat, were bowled out for just 198, while Bangladesh reached 96/1 at stumps, trailing by only 102 runs.

Bangladesh Bowlers Put Australia Under Pressure

Bangladesh’s pace attack made an immediate impact despite being weakened by injuries and absences.

Hasan Mahmud was the standout bowler, claiming a career-best 6 wickets for 55 runs. His spell dismantled Australia’s batting order and helped Bangladesh restrict the hosts to their lowest-ever Test total against Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding prevented Australia’s top order from building substantial partnerships.

Steve Smith Rescues Australia

Australia’s batting struggled throughout the innings, with several key batters unable to convert their starts.

Steve Smith provided the main resistance, scoring a fighting 71 runs from 109 balls. He was the only Australian batter to pass 50 as Bangladesh kept the pressure on the rest of the lineup.

The performances of Australia’s top order will attract considerable attention as the Test continues.

Australia All Out for 198

Australia were eventually dismissed for 198 in 53 overs.

The relatively low total has put Bangladesh in a strong position early in the match, particularly because the Darwin pitch offered assistance to the seamers during Australia’s innings.

Australia’s experienced bowling attack will now be under pressure to prevent Bangladesh from building a substantial first-innings lead.

Bangladesh Make Strong Start With the Bat

Bangladesh’s response was composed.

At stumps, Bangladesh had reached 96/1 after 24 overs, with Mominul Haque and Tanzid Hasan unbeaten and having built a useful partnership. Bangladesh trail Australia by just 102 runs.

The visitors therefore finished the opening day firmly on top after Australia’s early collapse.

Mitchell Starc Creates His Own Record

Australia did have one notable individual achievement.

Mitchell Starc dismissed Shadman Islam, becoming the most successful left-arm bowler in Test history by moving beyond 434 Test wickets.

The milestone provided Australia with a positive moment on a difficult day for the hosts.

Australia Need Quick Wickets

Australia’s immediate challenge is to break Bangladesh’s remaining batting partnership early on Day 2.

With Bangladesh only 102 runs behind and nine wickets still available at stumps, the visitors have a strong opportunity to establish a first-innings lead.

Australia’s experienced bowling unit, including Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon, will be expected to respond when play resumes.

Important Test for Both Teams

The Darwin Test is particularly significant because it marks Bangladesh’s return to Test cricket in Australia after a long gap.

The two-Test series is scheduled from August 13 to August 26, with the second Test scheduled to be played at Mackay.

The series also forms part of the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle.

Day One Belongs to Bangladesh

Bangladesh entered the Test as the underdogs but produced an impressive opening day.

Australia’s 198 all out, Hasan Mahmud’s six-wicket haul and Bangladesh’s 96/1 at stumps have completely changed the expected momentum of the contest.

With Bangladesh needing only 103 runs to draw level and nine wickets in hand, Day 2 could prove decisive in determining whether the visitors can turn their excellent start into a significant first-innings advantage.

Source: Cricket Australia, Reuters and latest match reports from August 13, 2026.

Original Report: Bangladesh bowled Australia out for 198 in Darwin, with Hasan Mahmud taking 6/55, before Bangladesh reached 96/1 at stumps on Day 1.

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