Australia Crumbles as Hasan Mahmud Takes Six in Opening Test

The first Test of the Australia‑Bangladesh series at Marrara Cricket Ground saw the home side buckle under the precision of Bangladesh pacer Hasan Mahmud. The 24‑year‑old bowler rattled the Australian order, extracting six wickets while conceding just 55 runs.

His dominant spell eclipsed the previous best for Bangladesh against Australia, previously held by Mohammad Rafique’s five‑for in 2006. This marks Mahmud’s third career five‑wicket haul, moving him to the second‑most five‑for taker for Bangladesh behind Shadman Islam.

Australia could muster only 198 runs, the lowest total recorded by the visitors against Bangladesh in Test cricket. Steve Smith’s 71 stood out, but the rest of the batting line‑up failed to provide resistance.

Bangladesh’s innings began steadily. After Shadman Islam’s dismissal for 20, Tanzim Hasan Tamim (32*) and Mohammad Mominul Haque (35*) built a 60‑run partnership for the second wicket. The team concluded the day at 96 for 1.

Mahmud’s ability to repeatedly claim five‑wicket hauls abroad underscores his evolution into a strike bowler capable of influencing match outcomes at the highest level.