Australia have won the 2nd Test from Bangladesh by an innings and 51 runs. Australia bounced back in emphatic fashion in Mackay, defeating Bangladesh inside two days to level the Test series. The hosts produced a ruthless performance with both bat and ball. Bangladesh, meanwhile, struggled to match the patience and discipline that had served them so well in Darwin.
Australia won the toss and immediately put Bangladesh under severe pressure. Mitchell Starc delivered the early damage. The left-armer claimed a five-wicket haul in just 22 balls and reduced Bangladesh to 12/5. The visitors never recovered.
Bangladesh first innings ended at only 64 in 2nd Test against Australia. It was a disastrous start and gave Australia complete control of the contest. However, Bangladesh bowlers responded impressively. Shoriful Islam led the fightback with a superb spell. His seven-wicket haul, worth 7/48, became the best innings figures by a Bangladesh fast bowler in Test cricket. Australia also stumbled.
Steve Smith and Cameron Green had begun rebuilding the innings, but Shoriful’s burst triggered another collapse. The hosts eventually secured a 146-run advantage. Bangladesh needed a strong response in their second innings.
Instead, their batting again came under pressure. Mushfiqur Rahim and Najmul Hossain Shanto provided the strongest resistance. The pair tried to absorb Australia’s relentless attack and keep the visitors in the contest. Once Shanto departed, however, Australia’s experienced bowling group took control.
Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood maintained a relentless squeeze. Bangladesh struggled to rotate the strike and lost wickets at regular intervals. The innings soon fell apart. Australia completed the victory without allowing the visitors any chance of a late revival.
Nathan Lyon played another important role in Australia’s success. The veteran spinner said careful planning and preparation helped him handle the conditions. He also credited Australia’s batters for laying the foundation on a good Mackay surface. Against Shanto, Lyon stayed patient and trusted his plans. That approach paid off as Australia completed the job in convincing fashion.
Josh Hazlewood also felt the pitch offered more than its two-day finish suggested. He said the wicket improved as the match progressed, although the first day provided some seam movement. Once the new-ball shine disappeared, he felt the surface became less demanding for the bowlers.
Hazlewood also reflected on the difficult week in Darwin and said he would take some time before deciding on his availability for upcoming white-ball matches. Cameron Green was pleased with Australia’s response after the disappointment of the first Test.
He highlighted the team’s strong beginning and praised the way the players maintained their momentum. Green also revealed that batting remains his main focus as Australia prepare for next year’s World Cup, despite continuing to work on his bowling.
Most importantly, Australia rediscovered their rhythm. After Bangladesh stunned them in Darwin, the Australia responded with a commanding display in Mackay in 2nd Test. The series is now level, with both teams heading into the next stage with plenty to play for.