Australia thrash Bangladesh by innings and 51 runs in Mackay to tie series

In a thrilling second Test match, Australia secured a commanding victory over Bangladesh, thanks to the exceptional performance of fast bowler Mitchell Starc. After a dominant win in the opening Test at Darwin, Australia faced a challenging second match as they traveled to Mackay. However, Starc, spearheading the Australian attack, delivered a masterclass performance with four wickets and 10 wickets. This ensured a victory for Australia within two days.

The visitors entered the series on top form after previously dismissing the world's top-ranked team by an impressive nine wickets in the first Test in Darwin. However, the tide turned as Starc and his teammates put on a scintillating display of fast bowling, which saw Starc finish with a remarkable 10-51 in the match, effectively leveling the two-game series. After 18 wickets fell during the frenetic first day in Mackay, the hosts were all out for 210 in the morning session, establishing a lead of 146 runs.

Bangladesh's bowling unit, led by Shoriful Islam, who claimed a remarkable 7-48 – the best figures from a Bangladeshi bowler in an away Test, was no match for the Australian attack. Starc was once again the chief tormentor, taking 4-39 while Pat Cummins contributed 3-10 and Nathan Lyon 3-25. Despite a disastrous start with Shadman Islam and Mominul Haque falling for very little, Bangladesh managed 64 runs in their first innings, with the Australian bowlers being the main tormentors.

In the second innings, Bangladesh faced further misery as Tanzid Hasan departed for a golden duck, followed by Shanto, who managed to hold on for 46 deliveries. However, his focus wavered against Lyon's off-spin, and he was caught by Starc at long off. As Starc returned to the attack, he was once again in the thick of the action, removing Litton Das for a duck without scoring.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz also struggled against the bowling, getting out to an easy catch taken by Alex Carey. Australia's captain, Steve Smith, removed Hasan Mahmud and then Starc claimed his 10th wicket of the match, marking the fourth time he has achieved this remarkable feat.

With Lyon quickly wrapping up the tail in the first over after tea, Australia resumed at 165-8, with Cameron Green and Nathan Lyon in the middle. Green helped maintain the scoreboard momentum with quick singles, but he fell victim to a fearsome inswinging yorker from Shoriful, who declared him out lbw after a review. A determined Lyon reached the landmark of 200 with a towering six off Taskin, while Josh Hazlewood added 24 crucial runs in the closing overs.

The innings concluded when Hazlewood hit a catch off Taijul Islam to Shadman, leaving Lyon on 32 not out.