Bangladesh leave Australia reeling at 183-8 at tea
- Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed took his second wicket, bowling all-rounder Beau Webster for 12 with a peach of a delivery
Bangladesh's depleted bowling attack dominated Australia on day one of the Darwin Test, reducing them to 183/8 despite Steve Smith's defiant half-century.
- Bangladesh's depleted attack dominating Australia.
- Steve Smith's defiant half-century.
- Australia's top-order struggles and key dismissals.
MELBOURNE: Australia batsman Steve Smith scored a defiant half-century but Bangladesh’s depleted attack produced another four-wicket session to reduce the hosts to 183 for eight at tea on day one of the series-opening Test in Darwin on Thursday.
Paceman Hasan Mahmud dismissed tailenders Pat Cummins (9) and Mitchell Starc (1) in quick succession before the tea break, having removed both Australia’s openers in the morning.
Seamer Ebadot Hossain grabbed a second wicket when wicketkeeper Alex Carey chopped onto his stumps to be out for 19, ending a 55-run partnership with Smith, who was 67 not out at the end of the session.
Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed took his second wicket, bowling all-rounder Beau Webster for 12 with a peach of a delivery.
Australia captain Cummins won the toss and elected to bat first on a grassy pitch on a hot morning in the Northern Territory capital. Australia were 74 for four at lunch.
Hazlewood gets Australia nod ahead of Boland for Bangladesh Test
Australia’s under-pressure opener Jake Weatherald made a start but was caught in the slips for a nervous 23 with a loose drive in the morning session. Batting at number five, all-rounder Cameron Green, whose place in the team is also under scrutiny, was caught for 13 after hitting Taskin to short midwicket.
Number three Marnus Labuschagne was caught for one off Ebadot.
Bangladesh are playing their first Test series in Australia since 2003.
The second and final Test of series is in Mackay, Queensland.