Australia vs Bangladesh: Steve Smith Hits 71 in Darwin Test

Core News & Key Facts

Australia were bowled out for 198 on the opening day of the first Test against Bangladesh in Darwin, with Steve Smith producing a lone fightback before Hasan Mahmud’s outstanding spell exposed the hosts’ batting problems. Smith top-scored with 71 after Australia captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat at Marrara Stadium.

Bangladesh’s pace attack made the most of a surface offering assistance to seam bowling. Hasan Mahmud finished with an impressive 6 for 55, the best Test innings figures of his career, while Ebadot Hossain claimed 2 for 39. Taskin Ahmed also played a key role as Australia’s top and middle order struggled to build partnerships.

Australia reached lunch at 74 for 4, with Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green all falling during the opening session. Weatherald made 23 before edging Mahmud, while Head was dismissed for 22. Labuschagne managed only one and Green made 13.

Context & Official Statements

Smith had several moments of uncertainty during his innings but eventually produced a determined 71. Ebadot dropped him at third slip when he was on two, while Bangladesh also lost a review when Smith survived an appeal for an outside edge at seven. Snicko showed no contact, allowing the veteran batter to continue.

Smith later attacked left-arm spinner Taijal Islam, hitting him over the boundary and through cover in his opening over. However, the No. 4 batter eventually fell while attempting to accelerate with the lower order around him, skying a swat off Mahmud.

Alex Carey scored 19 before Ebadot removed him after lunch, while Beau Webster made 12 before Taskin produced a superb delivery to bowl him. Cummins scored nine and Mitchell Starc made one, both falling to Mahmud.

Starc did create a piece of history by dismissing Shadman Islam for 20. The wicket took his Test tally to 434, giving him the most Test wickets by a left-arm bowler.

Impact & What to Expect Next

Bangladesh responded strongly after Australia’s early collapse, ending the day on 96 for 1. Tanzid Hasan was unbeaten on 32 and Mominul Haque was 35 not out, leaving the visitors in a strong position heading into the second day. Shadman Islam’s 20 was the only Bangladesh wicket to fall.

The visitors trail by 102 runs with nine wickets still available, meaning Bangladesh have an opportunity to take control of the Test if their batters can continue the momentum established late on day one. Australia, meanwhile, will need early wickets on the second morning to prevent Bangladesh from building a substantial first-innings lead.

The Test is particularly notable because it is the first match at the Darwin venue since 2004 and only the third Test played in the city’s history. For Australia, Smith’s 71 provided an important individual contribution, but the collapse to 198 leaves them under immediate pressure. Bangladesh’s disciplined pace attack and confident batting response have given the visitors the advantage after the opening day.