Bangladesh fold for 54 in Test warm-up as Thompson takes 8 for 25

In a three-day tour match against a Cricket Australia XI, Bangladesh were dismissed for a mere 54 runs in their second innings, ultimately losing the game by an innings and 38 runs. This performance exposed the formidable strength of Australia's bowling attack, which will be of great interest ahead of their upcoming Test match in Darwin next week. The standout performer for Australia was Campbell Thompson, who took an impressive eight wickets for just 25 runs in the second innings at Marrara Oval.

Thompson's tally included two wickets late on Friday, followed by six more as Bangladesh lost eight wickets for just 35 runs on Saturday morning. Marrara Oval, the venue for the tour match, is distinct from Marrara Stadium, which will host the first Test match starting from Thursday. Prior to this match, Thompson had made his South Australia debut last summer, playing a single Sheffield Shield game and two One-Day Cup matches, with prior experience of facing international opposition against the England Lions in November last year.

Bangladesh started the third morning of the second innings at 15 for two, but lasted only 17 more overs. Tanzid Hasan was the sole batsman to reach double figures, scoring 22 runs. Thompson made quick work of the early wickets, claiming the first five before being joined by off-spinner Corey Rocchiccioli, who added another six wickets. Thompson returned to finish the job, dismissing Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto for a duck and completing the final two dismissals with successive deliveries.

The defeat leaves Bangladesh with a mere four days to prepare for their first Test in Australia in 23 years, where they will face the formidable trio of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood. Bangladesh scored 263 in their first innings, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz contributing a century at No. 7 after the top order struggled on the opening day. The Cricket Australia XI responded with 355, while Hasan Mahmud of Bangladesh took four wickets for 42 runs.