Mitchell Starc delivered one of the most destructive opening spells of his Test career as Australia took on Bangladesh in the second Test at Mackay on Saturday. The Australian left arm fast bowler needed only 22 deliveries to complete a five wicket haul and left Bangladesh's batting order struggling for survival.
Australia won the toss and chose to bowl first at the Great Barrier Reef Arena. Starc immediately justified the decision by removing Shadman Islam with the very first delivery of the match. The wicket gave Australia the perfect beginning and Bangladesh were unable to establish any rhythm against the new ball.
Starc continued his assault during the opening overs. He dismissed Tanzid Hasan and Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto in quick succession before removing Mominul Haque and Litton Das. His fifth wicket came after only 22 balls, leaving Bangladesh five wickets down for just 12 runs at one stage.
Four of Starc's first five victims failed to score, highlighting the extent of Bangladesh's early batting collapse. The visitors reached lunch at 35 for six, with Australia firmly in control.
Starc eventually completed the innings with figures of six wickets for 12 runs from 10 overs, including six maiden overs. Bangladesh were dismissed for only 64 runs in 34 overs, recording one of their lowest totals in Test cricket.
The performance was particularly significant for Australia because the hosts entered the second Test under pressure. Bangladesh had produced a major upset in the opening Test in Darwin, defeating Australia by nine wickets. That result gave Bangladesh confidence and put Australia in a position where they needed a strong response in Mackay.
Starc provided exactly that response with the new ball. His ability to generate movement and bounce made conditions extremely difficult for the Bangladesh top order. Australia also received support from captain Pat Cummins, who claimed three wickets as the innings progressed.
Starc's five wicket haul also produced an important personal milestone. His fifth wicket took his Test tally to 440, allowing him to move past South African fast bowling great Dale Steyn, who finished his Test career with 439 wickets. Starc moved into 10th place on the overall list of Test wicket takers and became one of the most successful fast bowlers in the format's history.
The 22 ball five wicket haul was also remarkable statistically. Starc had previously produced the fastest five wicket haul in Test cricket when he took five wickets in only 15 balls against the West Indies. His latest performance therefore added another extraordinary achievement to his career.
Bangladesh eventually avoided their lowest ever Test score of 43, with lower order resistance helping them reach 64. Shoriful Islam top scored with 14 runs, while Taijul Islam remained unbeaten as the innings came to an end.
However, the match did not remain completely one sided. Bangladesh's bowlers produced a strong response when Australia began their first innings. Shoriful Islam claimed six wickets as Australia's batting order also struggled on a pitch that continued to favour fast bowling.
By the end of the first day, Australia had reached 165 for eight and held a lead of 101 runs. Cameron Green remained unbeaten on 51, while Shoriful finished with six wickets for 35 runs. The opening day therefore produced a remarkable 18 wickets and showed that both batting line ups were facing serious challenges.
The match has consequently developed into a closely contested Test despite Australia's dominant start. Starc's morning spell initially appeared to have put the hosts completely in control, but Bangladesh's response with the ball ensured that Australia could not build an overwhelming first innings lead.
For Starc, however, the Mackay Test has already become a memorable occasion. His six for 12 represents a devastating bowling performance and came at an important point in Australia's campaign.
The result also demonstrates the importance of experienced fast bowlers in Test cricket. Starc used the new ball effectively, attacked the top order and maintained pressure throughout his opening spell. Bangladesh's inability to withstand that pressure resulted in a dramatic collapse.
Australia will now look to convert its first innings advantage into a strong position in the second Test. Bangladesh, meanwhile, will need another determined bowling performance and a significantly improved batting effort if they are to challenge Australia in Mackay.
The second Test is part of the ongoing two match series between Australia and Bangladesh. The opening match in Darwin had ended with Bangladesh recording a nine wicket victory, making the second Test particularly important for Australia.
Starc's performance has therefore provided Australia with the kind of response the team needed after that unexpected defeat. His 22 ball five wicket burst will remain one of the defining moments of the match, while his final figures of six for 12 underline just how completely he controlled Bangladesh's first innings.
With Australia holding a first innings lead after a dramatic opening day, the remainder of the Mackay Test promises to remain a battle between two pace attacks. Starc has already set the tone, but Bangladesh's fightback with the ball means the match remains open heading into the next stage.