Mitchell Starc’s Five-Wicket Storm Leaves Bangladesh Reeling in Second Test

Mitchell Starc produced a breathtaking display of fast bowling, taking five wickets in the opening session as Australia tore through Bangladesh’s batting order on the first morning of the second Test on Saturday.

The veteran left-arm quick needed just one delivery to make an impact. Bangladesh opener Shadman Islam was dismissed off the very first ball of the match, setting the tone for a destructive spell at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay.

Australia captain Pat Cummins had won the toss and opted to bowl, believing any early moisture in the pitch could offer assistance to his fast bowlers. Starc proved that decision spectacularly right.

He quickly removed Tanzid Hasan before trapping Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto lbw, leaving the visitors under immediate pressure. Bangladesh’s troubles deepened when Mominul Haque fell for 9 after a sharp catch in the field, before Litton Das became Starc’s fifth victim.

By lunch, Bangladesh had slumped to 35-6, with Cummins accounting for the sixth wicket after bowling Mushfiqur Rahim. Starc returned remarkable figures of 5-11 in nine overs, turning the opening session into a one-man fast-bowling exhibition.

Walking off the field, Starc jokingly told his wife, former Australia captain Alyssa Healy, that taking six wickets in a session would have been even better, adding that some “anger” had helped fuel his performance.

The fiery response came after Bangladesh stunned Australia by winning the first Test of the two-match series, putting the hosts under pressure to bounce back.

Australia made one change to its side, bringing back Matt Renshaw in place of Jake Weatherald, while Bangladesh included Shoriful Islam for Ebadot Hossain.

After the shock of the opening Test, Australia needed a statement. Starc delivered one in just a single session.