Starc’s 10-wicket haul powers Australia to series-levelling win over Bangladesh

Mitchell Starc delivered a dominant performance in Mackay, finishing with a remarkable 10-wicket haul as Australia secured a series-levelling victory over Bangladesh. The left-arm quick added four more wickets on the second day, extending his tally to six on the opening day, bringing his overall Test wicket count to 445. Australia dismissed Bangladesh for just 64 in their first innings, capitalizing on a challenging, spicy pitch at Mackay in northern Queensland.

In their second innings, Bangladesh struggled against Starc and his teammates, managing only 95. Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon each contributed crucial three-wicket performances, with Najmul Hossain Shanto top-scoring with 31 and Mushfiqur Rahim remaining unbeaten on 29. Starc's mastery was evident as he dismissed Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim, both unbeaten on 29, as Bangladesh's captain and wicketkeeper-batter failed to inspire his team.

Australia's star batsman Cameron Green was the first to fall, caught behind off Shoriful Islam's well-placed inswinging delivery. Shoriful continued to trouble Green, claiming 7-48, the best bowling figures by a Bangladesh player in a Test away from home. Nathan Lyon, unbeaten on 32, and Josh Hazlewood contributed significantly, steering Australia to 210 in their first innings, giving them a crucial 146-run lead.

Bangladesh's second innings was another showcase of Starc's brilliance. He dismissed Litton Das for another duck, facing 27 balls across three innings without a single score in the series. Starc finished the match with 4-39, narrowly missing his best Test match figures of 11-94, achieved against Sri Lanka at Galle in 2016. Starc's exceptional performance moved him to 10th place on the all-time Test wicket-takers' list.

The victory marks the beginning of a challenging 12-month period for Australia, as they prepare for a string of Test matches including tours of South Africa, India, and England.