Former Australian captain and batting legend Ricky Ponting came hard at Marnus Labuschagne after he once again failed to perform in the second Test at Mackay. Ponting suggested that the time has come for the Australian management to look beyond Labuschagne, as he has been unable to perform according to expectations lately.

After a meek performance in Darwin, Labuschagne&rsquo;s poor run continued as he fell for just 4 in the second Test. Shoriful Islam got the better of him when the ball struck his thigh pad before deflecting onto the leg stump.

&quot;I admire what they [the selectors] are trying to do with Marnus.&rdquo; said Ricky Ponting while talking to a local news channel.

&quot;I admire that they tried to get him and get him back to his best, but it&#39;s been way too long now. I&#39;m on record as saying I would have made that change at the start of this series because I think there was enough evidence for me to suggest that he was a long way from rediscovering his best.&rdquo; added Ricky Ponting.

Ponting then highlighted the technical flaws in Labuschagne&rsquo;s batting, saying he is purely struggling due to not understanding the line and length of the ball.

&quot;He was unlucky today. There&#39;s no doubt about that. But that tends to happen to you as well when you&#39;re struggling and you&#39;re trying to find some form and some rhythm.&rdquo; said Ricky Ponting.

&ldquo;The worry that I had with him, I think there&#39;s some technical deficiency there but he&#39;s making the margin for error for the bowlers too great. With the length, he can&#39;t score off the back foot. If you can&#39;t score off the back foot in Test cricket then batting becomes a hard game. So I well and truly think it&#39;s time to have a look at somebody else.&rdquo; added Ricky Ponting.

Meanwhile, Mark Waugh also agreed with the assessments of Ponting, saying Travis Head should return to the middle order amid continued struggles of Marnus Labuschagne.

&quot;I do think Travis Head has got to bat in the middle order but, by doing that, you need to find another opener. Then you have got Marnus. How many more chances does he get? He might not get another bat in this game, so he will be hoping he does. He might have played his last game for Australia.&quot; said Mark Waugh.

Ricky Ponting has urged Australia to consider moving on from Marnus Labuschagne after another poor outing in the second Test at Mackay.

Ponting Urges Australia to Consider Alternatives Amid Labuschagne Struggles

MACKAY: A bowling masterclass of historic proportions turned the opening day of the AUS vs BAN 2nd Test into a chaotic, 18-wicket thriller at the Great Barrier Reef Arena.

Following a clinical victory in the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/bangladesh-defeated-australia-in-historic-1st-test-win/7568-5-0">1st Test</a>, Australia entered the match looking to seal the series, but few could have predicted the sheer mayhem that unfolded on Day 1. By the time stumps were drawn, Australia managed to scrap their way to 165 for 8, holding a fragile yet vital 101-run lead after skittling Bangladesh for an embarrassing 64 runs in the first innings.

The tone for this surreal day of Test cricket was set within seconds of the opening coin toss. Australian skipper Pat Cummins elected to bowl first on a green-tinged surface, unleashing a vintage, lethal spell from Mitchell Starc. The veteran left-arm quick produced a masterclass in modern swing bowling, striking with the very first delivery of the match. Starc completely obliterated the Bangladesh top order, securing an astonishing five-wicket haul in just 22 deliveries, marking the sixth-fastest five-wicket milestone in the long history of Test match cricket.

Starc&rsquo;s relentless accuracy and searing pace left the visitors completely shell-shocked. Four of Bangladesh&#39;s top six batsmen failed to trouble the scorers, walking back to the pavilion with ducks next to their names. Starc finished with a spectacular, career-defining haul of 6 for 12, while Cummins offered supreme support from the opposite end to claim 3 for 25. Bangladesh collapsed entirely to 64 all out in 34 overs, with number 11 Shoriful Islam offering a brief, ironic resistance as their top scorer with 14 runs.

However, any expectations of a straightforward, dominant Australian batting display were quickly shattered. Bangladesh&rsquo;s returning left-arm speedster, Shoriful Islam, mirrored Starc&#39;s brilliance with a ferocious bowling exhibition of his own. Armed with a swinging red ball and a point to prove, Shoriful systematically dismantled the powerhouse Australian top order.

Australia appeared comfortable during a stabilizing 77-run partnership between Steve Smith and Cameron Green. However, Smith&rsquo;s controversial dismissal for 42, unluckily judged out LBW by the barest of margins, triggered a disastrous batting collapse. Australia lost 5 wickets for a mere 30 runs as Shoriful swung the momentum entirely back toward the Tigers. The young Bangladeshi quick tore through the middle and lower order to register magnificent, career-best figures of 6 for 35, single-handedly keeping his team alive in the contest.

Amidst the ruins of the Australian batting card, it was Cameron Green who stood tall. The tall all-rounder played a mature, fighting innings to anchor the hosts, remaining unbeaten at stumps on 51. His crucial half-century ensured that Australia survived until the end of the day with a triple-figure lead intact.&nbsp;

With only two wickets remaining and Green running out of partners, the match remains perfectly poised ahead of Day 2.

Mitchell Starc and Shoriful Islam claim stunning six-wicket hauls on a chaotic 18-wicket Day 1 of the AUS vs BAN 2nd Test in Mackay.

AUS vs BAN 2nd Test: Starc & Shoriful Bag 6-Wicket Hauls

Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto is gearing up for another strong performance against Australia in Mackay. He thinks the victory in Darwin has boosted the morale of the team, and they are now confident of repeating their heroics again in the second Test match.

&quot;Personally, I really wanted to face this kind of bowling attack because I always believe that if I can score against this kind of bowling attack, I&#39;ll be able to score against anyone,&quot; said Najmul Hossain Shanto.

&quot;So this is an opportunity. This is a very big challenge as a batting unit. When you score against this kind of team, it gives you a lot of confidence going forward when we play in these kind of conditions or against this kind of bowling attack [again]. So those are the things I was thinking [about] before we came here, and it helps a lot.&quot; added Shanto.

Shanto played a key role for Bangladesh in Darwin, scoring 84 in the first innings and helping build two useful partnerships. With the pitch in Mackay expected to offer more bounce, Shanto said Bangladesh&rsquo;s batters will need to handle the conditions well once again.

&quot;In these conditions, there will be a little bit more extra bounce than [in] Darwin. Before we came here, we had been preparing on this kind of bouncy track,&quot; said Najmul Hossain Shanto.

&quot;We had a series against Zimbabwe, where we got an almost similar [pitch], so we have the idea [of how to play on it]. In the last couple of days in the nets sessions, the batters have been doing their skill stuff. I think they will cope with this extra bounce.&quot; added Shanto.

When asked how Bangladesh is planning to control Australia in Mackay, Shanto said his team has plans for every condition and knows how to adapt as the game progresses each day.

&quot;We have different plans [for different conditions]. We are not going to play every single Test match in the same way,&quot; said Najmul Hossain Shanto.

&quot;We try to adjust to the conditions. We try to focus on how they&#39;re going to attack us, and prepare that way. We play differently in the subcontinent. Sometimes it depends on the conditions, the surface, and the bowling attack. So for the last Test match, the plan was that we need to be patient enough. We are not the most experienced side, so sometimes we just have to be patient.&quot; added Shanto.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto is confident after the Darwin win and hopes his team can trouble Australia again in the second Test in Mackay.

Shanto Eyes Back-To-Back Success Against Australia In Mackay

DARWIN: In one of the most stunning upsets in modern cricket history, Bangladesh defeated Australia by nine wickets in the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/sports/bangladesh-tour-of-australia-2026/762/1">Australia vs Bangladesh</a> 1st Test at Maroonah Oval, securing their first-ever Test victory on Australian soil.

The historic triumph came early on Day 4, as the visitors chased down a target of 57 runs with clinical ease, losing only Tanzid Hasan along the way. Mominul Haque (30*) and Shadman Islam&nbsp; (25*) remained unbeaten to guide the Tigers across the finish line, sparking ecstatic celebrations in the Bangladesh dugout.

<h2>Hasan Mahmud Sparks Australian Collapse</h2>

The foundation for this monumental victory was laid on the opening day when Australia opted to bat first under overcast skies. Right-arm pacer Hasan Mahmud produced a masterclass in swing bowling, tearing through the formidable Australian batting lineup. Mahmud claimed a career-best 6 for 55, dismantling the hosts for a paltry 198 runs in their first innings. Only <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/steve-smith-drs-controversy-bangladesh-test-technology-save/7551-5-0">Steve Smith</a> offered stiff resistance with a gritty 71, but he lacked support from the other end.

<h2>Tanzid&rsquo;s Century Puts Tigers in Control</h2>

In reply, Bangladesh stunned Australia in Test cricket by putting on a batting clinic. Opener Tanzid Hasan hammered a magnificent 101 runs to anchor the top order. Skipper Shanto contributed a fluent 84, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz added a vital 65. Together, they propelled Bangladesh to a commanding first-innings total of 426 all out, establishing a massive 228-run lead. Despite Australian speedster Josh Hazlewood&rsquo;s tireless 6 for 89, the hosts found themselves completely pushed against the wall.

<h2>Miraz Stifles Australian Fightback</h2>

Facing a heavy deficit, Australia put up a stronger fight in their second dig, anchored by a superb counter-attacking century from all-rounder Cameron Green (104). Green matched up beautifully against the spin, but off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz turned the game back in Bangladesh&rsquo;s favor on Day 3. Miraz spun a web around the lower-middle order to finish with figures of 5 for 66. Alongside another three-wicket haul from the relentless Hasan Mahmud, the home side was bundled out for 284, leaving Bangladesh with a target of just 57 runs to win.

<h2>A New Chapter in Cricket History</h2>

With this emphatic victory, Bangladesh made history, shattering decades of dominance by the home team and securing a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/australia-vs-bangladesh-third-day-darwin-test-report/7561-5-0">Hasan Mahmud</a> was rightfully named the Player of the Match for his outstanding nine-wicket match haul, which effectively paralyzed the world-class Australian batting order.

The two teams will now head to Mackay for the second and final Test, where Australia will look to salvage the series, and a confident Bangladesh will eye an unprecedented series sweep.

Bangladesh defeated Australia by 9 wickets in the Australia vs Bangladesh 1st Test, securing a historic first-ever Test victory on Australian soil.

Bangladesh Defeated Australia in Historic 1st Test Win

Bangladesh remained in control against Australia after their bowlers struck four times on the third day of the first Test at Darwin. Hasan Mahmud led the attack with two wickets, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam took one each to leave Australia at 161/4.

At the end of the day, Australia were still trailing Bangladesh by 67 runs, with Cameron Green unbeaten on 43, while Alex Carey being not out on 19.

Bangladesh had earlier added to their overnight score before being bowled out for 426 soon after lunch. Hasan then made an immediate impact with the ball, sending back both Australian openers for low scores.

The pacer, who had figures of 6/55 in the first innings, got Jake Weatherald for a duck before removing Travis Head for 17. Both batters tried to cut the ball but ended up dragging it back onto their stumps.

Australia needed a steady partnership after losing the two openers, and Marnus Labuschagne joined Steve Smith at the crease. The pair looked to make the most of a pitch that was still good for batting.

Labuschagne, who has struggled for runs lately and faced growing questions over his place in the side, reached 31 before Taijul Islam bowled him.

Smith, who has often rescued Australia in difficult situations, was batting carefully. However, with the score at 122, he got a leading edge off Mehidy Hasan&rsquo;s bowling and hit the ball straight back to the spinner.

Earlier in the day, Mehidy Hasan played an important innings with the bat, scoring 65 to help Bangladesh post a big total in the first innings. He stood firm with the lower-order batters during the morning session and kept the Australian bowlers waiting for a breakthrough.

Bangladesh started the day on 351/6, but Josh Hazlewood struck twice in the first hour as Australia looked set to finish off the innings quickly.

Mehidy had other plans, though. His 65 kept the Australian attack frustrated and helped Bangladesh move into a strong position before Hazlewood finally dismissed him shortly after lunch.

However, due to his strong batting effort, Bangladesh remained in control and finish the innings with a strong score of 426 on the board.

Talking about bowling, Josh Hazlewood remained the most notable performer for Australia, as he picked up 6 wickets while conceding just 89 runs in the first innings.

Bangladesh stayed on top against Australia as Hasan Mahmud took two wickets, leaving the hosts 161/4 at the end of the third day in Darwin.

Mahmud, Spinners Give Bangladesh the Upper Hand Against Australia in Darwin Test

Bangladesh opener Mominul Haque moved past former captain Tamim Iqbal to become the second-highest run-scorer for Bangladesh in men&rsquo;s Test cricket. The experienced left-handed opener reached the landmark on the first day of Bangladesh&rsquo;s opening Test against Australia at Marrara Oval.

Mominul had 5,131 runs from 145 Test innings before the match and was only four runs away from overtaking Tamim Iqbal on Bangladesh&rsquo;s all-time Test batting list.

Tamim, who played 70 Tests in his career, finished with 5,134 runs at an average of 38.89. His record also includes 10 centuries and 31 fifties.

Mominul reached the milestone after coming to the crease at No. 3 following Shadman Islam&rsquo;s dismissal. He needed just four runs to move past Tamim Iqbal, and achieved it by hitting Cameron Green to the boundary in the 14th over.

The Bangladesh batter stayed at the crease until the close of play and remained unbeaten on 35. His score took his career Test tally to 5,166 runs, leaving him behind only Mushfiqur Rahim among Bangladesh&rsquo;s leading run-scorers in the format.

Talking about the match specifics, Mominul also played well to help Bangladesh finish the day in a better position. They reached 96/1 by stumps after Australia were bowled out for 198, leaving Bangladesh 102 runs behind with nine wickets still in hand.

<h2>Most Runs for Bangladesh in Tests</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Mushfiqur Rahim &ndash; 6806 runs in 190 innings</li>
	<li>Mominul Haque &ndash; 5166 runs in 146* innings</li>
	<li>Tamim Iqbal &ndash; 5134 runs in 134 innings</li>
	<li>Shakib Al Hasan &ndash; 4609 runs in 130 innings</li>
	<li>Litton Das &ndash; 3396 runs in 94 innings.</li>
</ul>

Mominul Haque overtook Tamim Iqbal to become Bangladesh’s second-highest Test run-scorer during the first Test against Australia at Marrara Oval.

Mominul Haque Achieves Big Landmark in First Test Against Australia

Australia have settled the biggest selection question ahead of the opening Test against Bangladesh, naming Josh Hazlewood in a pace attack that also includes captain Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.

The decision puts Hazlewood straight back into the Test side after a long spell on the sidelines. The fast bowler has not played international cricket since October last year, with an injury ruling him out of the entire Ashes series.

Scott Boland misses out despite being part of Australia&#39;s initial squad. Cummins admitted the choice between the two quicks was a difficult one, with the captain acknowledging Boland&#39;s quality while backing Hazlewood for the opener.

For <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/sports/bangladesh-tour-of-australia-2026/762/1">Australia vs Bangladesh</a>, the selection also carries extra weight because Test cricket is returning to Darwin after a 22-year absence.

Nathan Lyon will make his own comeback after a hamstring injury ended his Ashes campaign in Adelaide. Cummins was clear about Lyon&#39;s importance and praised the off-spinner&#39;s work during his recovery.

&ldquo;He looks in incredible shape,&rdquo; Cummins said, adding that Lyon has been bowling beautifully in training.

Lyon&#39;s return gives Australia another major weapon, particularly on a Darwin surface where the hosts will expect their experienced attack to dictate terms.

The batting order has also been locked in. Jake Weatherald will open alongside Travis Head, continuing the partnership formed during the Ashes. Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith follow, with Cameron Green at No. 5.

Alex Carey stays at No. 6 despite previously suggesting he could move higher. Cummins backed the existing combination, with Beau Webster occupying No. 7.

The decision leaves Boland and Josh Inglis as the two squad members missing from the opening XI. Boland&#39;s omission could become a talking point if Hazlewood struggles after his lengthy layoff.

Bangladesh, meanwhile, have kept their XI under wraps. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto cited a few niggles inside the camp but confirmed Litton Das is fit and available.

The Josh Hazlewood selection will now face its first test on the field. After months away from international cricket, the pressure is on the experienced quick to justify Australia&#39;s call.

<h2>Australia XI for Bangladesh 1st Test</h2>

Pat Cummins (c), Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Beau Webster, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

Australia confirm their first Test XI against Bangladesh, with Josh Hazlewood returning and Nathan Lyon back after his Ashes injury setback.

Australia Name Playing XI for First Test vs Bangladesh

Bangladesh&#39;s return to Australia has opened with an awkward question: can a side dismissed for 54 against a Cricket Australia XI survive Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood?

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto thinks so. He has backed his batters to handle the extra bounce and pace when the first Test begins in Darwin on Thursday.

The confidence sounds bold, especially after the practice-match collapse. Bangladesh were bowled out for 54 against the Cricket Australia XI, immediately raising doubts about their readiness for conditions they have not faced on Australian soil since 2003. Shanto has rejected that reading.

He said Bangladesh had spent around 10 to 12 days preparing in Darwin and had also worked on bouncy surfaces at home during the past few months. His message was simple: survive the new ball, stay focused and bat for long periods.

That will be easier said than done. Australia have named a formidable attack, with Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon available together. Hazlewood&#39;s return gives the hosts another experienced seam option, while the Darwin surface is expected to offer assistance to both batters and bowlers.

<h2>Shanto backs batting despite 54-run collapse</h2>

The <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/watch/australia-vs-bangladesh-1st-test-live/1159191">Bangladesh vs Australia Test series</a> carries extra weight for the visitors because of their recent rise in the World Test Championship. Bangladesh sit fourth in the current cycle after beating Pakistan 2-0 in May, a sharp improvement from their seventh-place finish in the previous cycle.

They also defeated Australia 2-1 in an ODI series in June, giving Bangladesh valuable experience against quicker conditions.

Still, Test cricket is a different fight. The warm-up result has already handed Australia a psychological edge, even if practice matches can produce misleading conclusions. Bangladesh now have to prove that the collapse was a bad day rather than a sign of a deeper batting problem.

Shanto believes his side has improved, particularly with the ball. He also indicated Bangladesh could field both Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam alongside three fast bowlers, putting the Darwin surface under another spotlight.

Mehidy arrives with confidence after scoring a century in the tour match. Litton Das has also been cleared to play after recovering from a calf injury, giving Bangladesh another experienced option in the middle order.

The pressure remains obvious. Bangladesh&#39;s only Test win against Australia came in 2017, while they have never won a Test on Australian soil.

For Najmul Hossain Shanto, the challenge is now personal as captain. He has talked up preparation and progress. The opening session in Darwin will reveal whether that confidence can withstand Australia&#39;s new-ball attack.

A second collapse would change the conversation quickly. The 54 would stop looking like an ugly warm-up score and start looking like a warning.

Bangladesh face Australia after a brutal warm-up collapse, but Shanto insists his side can handle the pace and bounce in Darwin.

Shanto Sends Strong Message Ahead of Bangladesh-Australia Test

Bangladesh are heading back to Australia for a Test series, and it has been a long wait to get here. Twenty-three years have gone by since their last red-ball trip Down Under, and a lot has changed in that time. Back in 2003, when Bangladesh played their maiden Test on Australian soil, Facebook did not exist, the iPhone was still years away, and Australia were sitting on top of the one-day cricket world. Remarkably, that last point hasn&#39;t changed. Australia are still the reigning ODI World Cup champions more than two decades on.

The series begins at Marrara Stadium in Darwin, the same ground that hosted Bangladesh&#39;s first Test in the country, before the tour shifts to Mackay for that venue&#39;s first taste of Test cricket.

<h2>Australia Hold the Advantage in WTC Race</h2>

On the World Test Championship table, Australia are sitting pretty. Seven wins from eight matches have given them a points percentage above 87, with the bulk of that success coming from their Ashes win.

Bangladesh&#39;s cycle has been shorter and shakier. A series loss to Sri Lanka was followed by a clean sweep of Pakistan, a result that pushed them up to fourth in the standings, ahead of India, at just over 58 percent. A one-off Test defeat to Zimbabwe in June doesn&#39;t count toward this cycle, but it&#39;s a reminder that Bangladesh&#39;s form heading into Australia hasn&#39;t been convincing.

<h2>Bangladesh Face Batting Questions</h2>

Their batting line-up has needed some patching up too. Soumya Sarkar is back in the fold after almost five years away from Test cricket, called up more out of necessity than form.

The responsibility will largely fall on the shoulders of Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. Mushfiqur is the man in form and experience. He was player of the series against Pakistan earlier this year with 253 runs, and he&#39;s just 194 runs away from becoming the first Bangladeshi batter to reach 7,000 Test runs.

A warm-up defeat to a Cricket Australia XI, where Bangladesh were bundled out for 54 in their second innings, will not have done much for confidence going in.

<h2>Bowling Attack Hit by Injuries</h2>

The bowling attack has also taken hits. Nahid Rana is out with a side injury and Shoriful Islam is nursing a hamstring problem, leaving Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain to carry the pace workload.

Taijul Islam, Bangladesh&#39;s leading Test wicket-taker with 270 scalps, remains their spin spearhead, while all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz showed good form with a century against the Cricket Australia XI.

<h2>Australia Enter Series With Settled Squad</h2>

Australia, by contrast, look settled. Travis Head continues at the top after a strong summer, partnered by Jake Weatherald following Usman Khawaja&#39;s retirement, a shift that could see Alex Carey move up the order.

Steve Smith arrives with one oddity on his r&eacute;sum&eacute;. Bangladesh are the only Test opposition he hasn&#39;t scored a century against.

The pace attack of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood has been among the best in the world over the last two years, and both Hazlewood and Starc are closing in on major milestones. Nathan Lyon also returns from a hamstring injury that required surgery, giving Australia their spin option back.

<h2>Darwin Test Sets Up Intriguing Series</h2>

With Darwin&#39;s drop-in pitch an unfamiliar factor for both sides and Australia the clear favourites, this series marks a rare and intriguing return to Test cricket in the country&#39;s north for Bangladesh.

Watch the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/sports/bangladesh-tour-of-australia-2026/762/1">Australia vs Bangladesh Test series</a> live on tapmad in Pakistan and Bangladesh, with complete coverage of every match, session and key moment.&nbsp;

Australia face Bangladesh in Darwin for the first Test, with Hazlewood returning, Weatherald debuting and both teams chasing key WTC points this week.

Australia vs Bangladesh 1st Test Preview, Teams & Key Players

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Bangladesh Tour of Australia 2026

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