Australia vs Bangladesh 1st Test Takes Turn As Hosts Fight Back

Australia reached 198 in the first innings before Bangladesh slipped to 62 for 1 late in the opening day at the TIO Stadium, leaving the hosts 136 runs behind with plenty of work ahead.

Steve Smith provided the backbone for Australia, compiling a patient 71 from 109 balls. He struck seven fours and a six, holding the innings together after early wickets exposed the middle order. Travis Head added 22, while Jake Weatherald made 23 before both fell to Hasan Mahmud.

The innings never fully settled after Australia lost three wickets for 74, but Smith kept the visitors moving. Cameron Green chipped in with 13, Alex Carey made 19 and Beau Webster produced a brisk 12 from 10 balls. Pat Cummins added nine.

Hasan Mahmud led Bangladesh’s attack with four wickets for 55 runs from 17 overs. Taskin Ahmed claimed two wickets, while Ebadot Hossain also finished with two. Bangladesh’s bowlers managed to keep Australia from building a much bigger total after the visitors won the toss and chose to bat.

The hosts then faced a testing final phase of the session.

Bangladesh lost Shadman Islam for 20 from 30 balls, caught by Nathan Lyon off Mitchell Starc, but the response from the remaining batters was steady. Tanzid Hasan reached 19 not out from 43 deliveries, while Mominul Haque was unbeaten on 16 from 24.

That left Bangladesh at 62 for 1 after 16.1 overs, with Australia still holding a sizeable first-innings advantage. Starc took the only wicket so far for Australia, while Josh Hazlewood bowled four tight overs for nine runs.

The Australia vs Bangladesh 1st Test has already produced a useful contest between Bangladesh’s new-ball challenge and Australia’s experienced batting group. The hosts will need to close the gap quickly on the second day, especially with Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood waiting for another chance with the ball.

For Australia, the biggest question is whether 198 proves enough to build pressure. Smith’s 71 has given them a platform, but Bangladesh have avoided the kind of collapse that could have put the game firmly in the visitors’ hands.

Steve Smith gave Australia stability they needed after wickets fell around him.

The Australia vs Bangladesh 1st Test remains finely poised despite Australia’s early advantage. Bangladesh have seven wickets in hand and two set batters at the crease. The next passage could shape the match.