Image Source: X
Mitchell Starc produced a sensational opening spell as Australia took complete control on Day 1 of the second Test against Bangladesh in Mackay. The Australian left-arm fast bowler ripped through Bangladesh’s top order, taking five wickets in just 3.4 overs and conceding only four runs.
Starc’s combination of pace, swing and seam movement proved too difficult for Bangladesh’s batters. His devastating spell not only put Australia in a dominant position but also helped him move past South African fast-bowling legend Dale Steyn on the Test wicket-takers list.
Mitchell Starc Takes 5 Wickets in 22 Balls to Put Australia in Command
Starc made an immediate impact by dismissing Shadman Islam for a duck with the first ball of the Test.
The Australian speedster then removed Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Litton Das in quick succession.
Starc completed his five-wicket haul in only 22 deliveries, leaving Bangladesh’s top order completely shattered. The remarkable spell came within his first four overs and gave Australia an early advantage.
Starc’s Stunning Spell: 5 Wickets in 3.4 Overs as Bangladesh Collapse
The conditions at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay offered plenty of assistance to fast bowlers. Starc exploited the movement brilliantly, repeatedly beating the outside edge and forcing Bangladesh’s batters into mistakes.
Several Bangladesh batters attempted shots at deliveries outside the off stump instead of leaving them, allowing Australia to capitalize on their poor shot selection.
Mitchell Starc Finishes with 6/12 as Bangladesh Bowled Out for 64
Starc continued his assault even after completing his five-wicket haul. He eventually finished with outstanding figures of 6 wickets for 12 runs from 10 overs.
His brilliant performance played a major role in Bangladesh being dismissed for just 64 runs in their first innings.
Captain Pat Cummins took three wickets, while Josh Hazlewood claimed one, completing a dominant performance from Australia’s pace attack.
Mitchell Starc Surpasses Dale Steyn in Test Cricket
Starc’s incredible performance also delivered a significant personal milestone.
The five-wicket haul was the 19th of his Test career. During the spell, Starc moved past South African legend Dale Steyn, who finished his Test career with 439 wickets from 93 matches.
Starc’s latest achievement further strengthens his position among the most successful fast bowlers in Test cricket.
19th Test Five-Wicket Haul for Mitchell Starc in Mackay
Starc’s five-wicket haul in just 22 balls underlined his ability to make an immediate impact with the new ball.
The Australian pacer combined high pace with late movement, making it extremely difficult for Bangladesh’s batters to settle. His early strikes ensured that Australia remained in complete control from the opening stages.
Pat Cummins Joins Mitchell Starc as Australia’s Pace Attack Wrecks Bangladesh
After Starc’s sensational opening burst, Pat Cummins continued Australia’s domination by dismissing experienced batter Mushfiqur Rahim.
Cummins produced a delivery that moved sharply back into the batter after pitching. It squeezed through the gap between the bat and pad before crashing into the middle stump.
With Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood finding plenty of assistance, Australia’s pace attack completely dismantled Bangladesh’s batting lineup.
Australia vs Bangladesh: Starc’s 6/12 Gives Australia a Dream Start
Bangladesh’s collapse for just 64 runs handed Australia a commanding position in the second Test.
While the Mackay conditions helped the Australian quicks, Starc’s accuracy, pace and movement made the biggest difference. His five-wicket burst inside four overs changed the game almost immediately.
With 6/12, his 19th Test five-wicket haul and a new milestone after surpassing Dale Steyn, Mitchell Starc produced a spell that will be remembered as one of the highlights of the Test match.
Also Read: WDPL 2026: Medhavi Biduri’s Gen-Z Celebration Goes Viral
