Mackay, Aug 22 (V7N)- The first day of the second Test between Bangladesh and Australia in Mackay witnessed a dramatic procession of wickets. Mitchell Starc's six-wicket haul helped Australia dismiss Bangladesh for just 64, but Shariful Islam responded brilliantly with the ball as the hosts finished the day at 165 for eight.

Australia ended the opening day with a 101-run lead, with Cameron Green unbeaten on 51.

Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat first at the Great Barrier Reef Arena on Saturday. However, Starc's devastating opening spell left Bangladesh in serious trouble from the very first ball.

Starc dismissed Sadman Islam with the opening delivery of the match and quickly removed Tanjid Hasan, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque and Litton Das to complete his five-wicket haul in just 22 balls.

At one stage, Bangladesh were reduced to 12 for five before eventually being bowled out for 64 in 34 overs—their fourth-lowest total in Test history.

Shariful Islam top-scored with 14, while the final five Bangladesh batters contributed 47 runs.

Shariful's sensational comeback

Bangladesh's response with the ball was far more impressive.

Returning to the Test side after recovering from a hamstring injury, left-arm pacer Shariful Islam tore through Australia's middle order, taking six wickets for 34 runs.

Taskin Ahmed struck first, having Matt Renshaw caught for eight in the third over.

Shariful then produced a sensational first over, bowling Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne for four. Head was bowled for the third time in three innings in the series.

Steven Smith and Cameron Green subsequently steadied the Australian innings with a 77-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

Smith made 42 before Shariful trapped him lbw with a delivery that came back into the batter. The decision was confirmed following a review.

Captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto's bowling changes also paid dividends. Off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz removed Alex Carey, who was caught at mid-on by Hasan Mahmud.

Shariful then struck twice in the same over, dismissing Beau Webster lbw and Australia captain Pat Cummins for a duck.

He completed his six-wicket haul by bowling Mitchell Starc and shattering the stumps.

At the other end, Cameron Green remained composed on a difficult batting surface. The Darwin Test centurion reached his half-century with eight boundaries and finished the day unbeaten on 51.

At stumps, Australia were 165 for eight, with Green unbeaten on 51. Shariful Islam claimed six wickets, while Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz took one each.

END/SMA/AJ