Australia thrash Bangladesh by innings and 51 runs in Mackay to tie series

Australia bounced back strongly to defeat Bangladesh by an innings and 51 runs, securing a 1-1 series tie in the two-match Test series. The dominant performance in Mackay erased the memory of Australia's heavy nine-wicket loss in Darwin.

Veteran paceman Mitchell Starc spearheaded Australia's attack, claiming 10 wickets for the match, including four in Bangladesh's second innings. Spinner Nathan Lyon provided crucial support with three wickets. Bangladesh's batting order faltered dramatically, being bowled out for 46 in their first innings and then for 95 in their second, failing to reach Australia's first-innings total of 235.

Starc, who was named Player of the Match and Player of the Series, expressed satisfaction with the team's improved performance. "Much better week. We knew we weren't at our best, or what we expect of ourselves, in Darwin," the 36-year-old said. "What we expect of ourselves this week is what we got, particularly with the ball and the wicket that aided us with the ball."

The series victory on a bouncy wicket in Mackay demonstrated that Australia's experienced bowling attack remains a formidable force. The win provided a much-needed confidence boost for Pat Cummins's side after their disappointing showing in the opening Test.

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Much better week. We knew we weren't at our best, or what we expect of ourselves, in Darwin. What we expect of ourselves this week is what we got, particularly with the ball and the wicket that aided us with the ball.