'You’re not in Bangladesh now': Starc, Mehidy Hasan clash during Darwin Test - Watch

During the second day of the first Test in Darwin, fast bowler Mitchell Starc and Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz had a brief exchange. The incident occurred during Starc's 21st over, which was the 103rd over of Bangladesh's innings. Miraz attempted a single towards point, but upon following the ball, he appeared to run through the protected central area of the pitch.

Umpire Kumar Dharmasena promptly warned Miraz about running on the centre strip. Miraz claimed he had not seen Starc since he was focused on watching the ball. However, Starc was not pleased with his explanation and instructed Miraz to stay away from the protected central area. Batters and bowlers are expected to avoid this area during their respective actions.

Miraz initially glanced towards Starc as he began running but then redirected his attention to the ball. Upon looking forward again, he found himself facing Starc. Instead of moving around the bowler, Miraz opted for a shorter route through the centre of the pitch, leading to Dharmasena intervening before the run was completed. Miraz then raised his arm towards Starc, emphasizing that he could not see where he was going while concentrating on the ball.

Starc responded by saying, "It’s my follow-through, now your follow-through. Get off the wicket," while pointing at Miraz. He repeated this to the umpire, adding, "You’re not in Bangladesh now, hey?" Former Australia captain and Channel 7 commentator Ricky Ponting suggested that Miraz's run through the protected area was likely unintentional.

Bangladesh ended Day 2 in control, with a score of 6-351 and a 153-run lead in the first innings, having four wickets remaining. Miraz scored 32 not out, while Hasan Mahmud contributed 13 not out from 76 balls. Mahmud had taken six wickets on the opening day. Tanzid Hasan, who played only his second Test, scored 101 runs, setting Bangladesh up for a potential record-breaking win in Test cricket.