Australia stumble against Bangladesh in first cricket Test in Darwin
Bangladesh put Australia under immediate pressure on the first day of the Test in Darwin, dismissing four of the hosts’ top batters before lunch. Australia recovered somewhat thanks to Steve Smith but were still struggling at 183 for eight by tea.
Australia chose to bat first after winning the toss, but the decision quickly backfired. Bangladesh’s fast bowlers dismissed Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, and Cameron Green, leaving Australia on 74 for four at lunch.
Smith provided the majority of Australia’s resistance, scoring an unbeaten 71 by tea while wickets fell around him. Bangladesh’s Hasan Mahmud and Taskin Ahmed were among the most troublesome bowlers, exploiting the movement and bounce available in Darwin to expose Australia’s batsmen.
🔥 Bangladesh seize control in Darwin!
— Cricket World (@Cricket_World) August 13, 2026
Hasan Mahmud claimed 4/49 as Australia slumped to 183/8 at tea on Day 1 of the first Test.
🎯 Taskin Ahmed: 2 wickets
🎯 Ebadot Hossain: 2 wickets
🏏 Steve Smith: 67*https://t.co/VKZxcZzZEb#AUSvBAN #BangladeshCricket #TestCricket… pic.twitter.com/z4rQaWASE1
Australia vs Bangladesh Test marks rare return to Darwin
Australia had already lost four of their ten available wickets while scoring only 74 runs, a poor start for a team playing at home. Bangladesh continued to take wickets after lunch, preventing Australia from putting up a large first-innings score.
Read more: India, Pakistan advance straight to Asian Games cricket quarter-finals
The match marks Bangladesh’s first Test in Australia since 2003, as well as Australia’s first Test in Darwin in over two decades. Bangladesh entered the match as clear underdogs without their leading bowler Nahid Rana, making their strong start all the more impressive.
Australia and Bangladesh are currently playing a two-Test series, with the second match scheduled for Mackay later this month. Their previous Test match in Darwin in 2003 resulted in a comfortable Australian victory by an innings and 132 runs.
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