Australia bowled Bangladesh out for 64 runs on day one of the second Test at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay, Queensland on August 22, 2026 [1, 2]. Mitchell Starc dominated with six wickets for 12 runs, including five wickets in his first 22 balls, as Australia took control early [1, 3, 2]. Starc said, "It was just getting our lengths a bit fuller, using the bouncer a bit more and holding onto our catches."
Bangladesh’s Shoriful Islam, who missed the first Test due to injury, responded with six wickets for 35 runs and top-scored with 14 runs for his team [1, 3, 2]. Starc’s performance drew praise from former players, with Josh Hazlewood calling it "amazing to watch" [2] and Jason Gillespie noting Starc has become "a very consistent performer" after early career criticism [1].
Australia scored 165 for 8 wickets by stumps, taking a 101-run lead over Bangladesh [1, 2]. Cameron Green was unbeaten on 51 runs and Nathan Lyon was 10 not out at the close [1, 3, 2]. Steve Smith scored 42 and Travis Head made 22 runs [1, 2].
Matt Renshaw replaced Jake Weatherald as opener following Australia’s first Test loss in Darwin and scored 8 runs before dismissal [1, 4, 2]. Marnus Labuschagne was dismissed for 4 runs and continues his century drought in Tests, prompting Ricky Ponting to say, "He can't score off the back foot. It is well and truly time to have a look at someone else." [1]
Pat Cummins, Australia’s captain who won the toss, took 3 wickets for 25 runs [1, 2]. Despite the strong lead, Australia’s batting lineup showed some vulnerabilities throughout the day [1, 3].
The second day of the Test will continue with Australia aiming to extend their lead and push for a dominant position [1, 4, 3, 2].
