Australia Vs Bangladesh: Australia’s Batting Collapse Hands Bangladesh Early Advantage
Australia suffered a major batting collapse against Bangladesh in the opening Test in Darwin, being bowled out for just 198 runs in their first innings. The score is now Australia’s lowest total in Test cricket against Bangladesh, surpassing their previous low of 217 runs, which came during the 2017 Mirpur Test.
Bangladesh responded strongly with the ball and ended the opening day in a promising position. By the close of play, Bangladesh had reached 96 runs for the loss of one wicket, giving the home side a significant advantage after Australia’s disappointing first innings.
Australia won the toss and chose to bat first, but the decision did not work out as planned. The Australian top order struggled from the beginning, and the team went into the lunch break at 74 for four. Steve Smith tried to rebuild the innings after the early damage, but once he was dismissed, Australia lost their remaining wickets in quick succession.
Hasan Mahmud was the standout performer for Bangladesh. The right-arm fast bowler produced the best bowling figures of his Test career, finishing with six wickets for 55 runs from 17 overs. Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain also played important roles, taking two wickets each.
Australia’s Lowest Test Scores Against Bangladesh
Australia’s 198 all out in Darwin is now their lowest Test score against Bangladesh. Their previous lowest total was 217, recorded in Mirpur in 2017.
The five lowest Australian Test totals against Bangladesh are:
| Rank | Score | Venue | Date |
| 1 | 198 | Darwin | August 13, 2026 |
| 2 | 217 | Mirpur | August 27, 2017 |
| 3 | 244 | Mirpur | August 27, 2017 |
| 4 | 269 | Fultons | April 9, 2006 |
| 5 | 307/7 | Fultons | April 9, 2006 |
The latest total is particularly significant because Australia have traditionally been one of the strongest batting teams in Test cricket. Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling attack kept the Australian batters under pressure throughout the innings.
Steve Smith Leads Australia’s Scoring
Steve Smith was the only Australian batter to put together a substantial innings. The experienced right-hander scored 71 runs from 109 deliveries, hitting seven boundaries and one six.
Smith walked in when Australia were already in trouble and attempted to steady the innings. He found support from Alex Carey, with the pair adding 55 runs for the fifth wicket. It became Australia’s biggest partnership of the innings.
Carey contributed 19 runs before being dismissed, leaving Smith with the responsibility of carrying the innings forward. However, his dismissal for 71 triggered another collapse and Australia quickly lost control of the innings.
Australia Lost Four Wickets Before Lunch
Australia’s problems began early in the innings. Hasan Mahmud gave Bangladesh their first breakthrough by dismissing Jake Weatherald for 23. The bowler then struck again in the following over, removing Travis Head and putting Australia under further pressure.
Marnus Labuschagne failed to make an impact and was dismissed for just one run. Cameron Green also struggled, scoring only 13 before returning to the pavilion.
By lunch, Australia had lost four wickets for 74 runs, leaving Bangladesh firmly in control of the opening session.
Smith and Carey Try to Rescue the Innings
The second session brought some stability for Australia as Smith and Carey joined forces. Their 55-run partnership helped Australia recover from the early collapse and gave the visitors hope of posting a competitive first-innings total.
However, Carey’s dismissal once again exposed Australia’s lower order. The innings began to fall apart, and the remaining batters could not provide enough support to Smith.
Beau Webster scored 12, while captain Pat Cummins made nine runs. Mitchell Starc was dismissed after scoring just one run. Smith eventually fell for 71, ending Australia’s best individual contribution of the innings.
Nathan Lyon was the final Australian batter dismissed, scoring seven runs and becoming Hasan Mahmud’s sixth wicket of the innings.
Hasan Mahmud Produces Career-Best Test Figures
Hasan Mahmud was the main reason Bangladesh were able to restrict Australia to 198. His figures of 6/55 represented the best bowling performance of his Test career.
The fast bowler dismissed Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Steve Smith, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon. His ability to maintain pressure throughout the innings proved crucial as Australia struggled to build partnerships.
The six-wicket haul was also Hasan’s third five-wicket haul in Test cricket. Notably, all three of his Test five-wicket performances have come outside Bangladesh, underlining his ability to make an impact in overseas conditions.
Hasan, a right-arm fast bowler, made his international debut for Bangladesh in 2020. Born on October 12, 1999, in Lakshmipur, Bangladesh, he has gradually established himself as an important member of the country’s pace attack.
Marnus Labuschagne’s Poor Run Continues
Marnus Labuschagne’s difficult run with the bat continued in the Australia Vs Bangladesh Test. The Australian batter faced 20 deliveries but managed only one run before being dismissed.
Labuschagne took 14 balls to get off the mark, highlighting how difficult he found it to settle at the crease. His latest failure means he has now gone eight consecutive Test innings without reaching the 50-run mark.
The lack of a substantial score has added to the pressure surrounding Labuschagne’s batting form. He has also been unable to register a Test half-century since December last year.
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Bangladesh Finish the Day in a Strong Position
After dismissing Australia for 198, Bangladesh made a confident start with the bat. They reached 96 for one at the end of the first day, putting themselves in a strong position heading into the next stage of the Test.
Australia will now need early wickets to prevent Bangladesh from building a sizeable first-innings lead. For Bangladesh, the priority will be to make the most of their strong start and turn Hasan Mahmud’s outstanding bowling performance into a significant advantage.
The opening day of the Australia Vs Bangladesh Test has already produced a major statistical milestone, with Australia recording their lowest-ever Test total against Bangladesh. Steve Smith’s fighting 71 provided some resistance, but Hasan Mahmud’s six-wicket haul and Bangladesh’s strong response with the bat left the visitors facing a difficult challenge as the Test moves forward.
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