Mitchell Starc’s four-wicket haul on the second day propelled Australia to an innings and 51-run victory over Bangladesh in the second Test at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay, leveling the two-match series at 1-1. The match completed in just two days after 125 overs, making it one of the shortest finished Test matches with a definite result in recent history.
Bangladesh entered the series on a high following their unexpected nine-wicket win in the first Test at Darwin, which had been considered one of Test cricket’s biggest upsets. However, they struggled significantly in the return match, bowled out for 64 runs in their first innings with Starc taking 6-12. Australian batsman Cameron Green top-scored with 67 as Australia posted a total of 210, giving them a lead of 146 runs. Bangladesh’s Shoriful Islam stood out for the visitors, claiming 7-48—the best figures by a Bangladeshi bowler on foreign soil.
The visitors’ second innings began poorly, losing early wickets including openers Shadman Islam and Mominul Haque within the first few balls. Bangladesh’s captain Najmul Hossain Shanto managed to survive through 46 deliveries but was eventually dismissed for 31. The tail endured little resistance afterward, collapsing to 95 all out, with Starc finishing with figures of 4-39. Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon also contributed with three wickets apiece.
Australia captain Pat Cummins described the win as a strong response after their earlier defeat. "We needed to bounce back, and it was a great couple of days from the lads," he said. "Everyone was sharp. It was a great start, and we didn’t really let up after that."
Starc was named Player of the Match and Player of the Series for his match figures of 10-51, marking his fourth 10-wicket haul in Test cricket. His performance elevated him to 10th place on the all-time Test wicket list, with 445 wickets, closing in on Nathan Lyon’s sixth-place tally. Starc acknowledged the favorable bowling conditions and the team’s improved execution compared to their previous outing. "Much better week. We knew we weren’t at our best in Darwin. What we expect of ourselves is what we got, particularly with the ball and the wicket that aided us," he said.
Australia’s next Test assignment is a three-match tour of reigning world Test champions South Africa scheduled for October. Meanwhile, Bangladesh will reflect on their challenges in the second Test and aim to learn from the experience ahead of future international fixtures.