Australia Bounce Back to Rout Bangladesh and Level Test Series 1-1

Australia produced a stunning response to their historic defeat in Darwin, crushing Bangladesh by an innings and 51 runs in the second Test at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay to level the two-match series 1-1.

The match lasted less than two days, with veteran fast bowler Mitchell Starc delivering a sensational 10-wicket performance to spearhead Australia’s remarkable turnaround.

After Bangladesh secured a historic nine-wicket victory in the opening Test — their first Test win on Australian soil — Australia entered the second match under significant pressure. Captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bowl, a decision that immediately paid off.

Starc tore through Bangladesh’s batting line-up, taking 6 for 12 as the visitors were dismissed for just 64. Cummins and Nathan Lyon also made important contributions with the ball.

Australia built a 146-run first-innings lead despite being bowled out for 210, with Cameron Green top-scoring with 67. Bangladesh struggled again in their second innings, managing only 95 as Starc claimed another four wickets to finish with match figures of 10 for 51.

Starc was named Player of the Match and finished the two-Test series with 12 wickets at an average of 12.08. He also moved to 10th on the all-time Test wicket-takers list with 445 wickets.

While Australia will take confidence from their emphatic response, Bangladesh can still reflect on a historic series after their memorable triumph in Darwin.

The 1-1 series result highlights Bangladesh’s growing competitiveness in Test cricket while demonstrating Australia’s ability to bounce back strongly after a major setback.