Cummins praises Australia's response and Green's batting after Mackay Test win

Australia delivered the response they needed in Mackay, bouncing back from a shocking defeat in Darwin to win the second Test by an innings and 51 runs, thus leveling the series 1-1. Captain Pat Cummins lauded the team's sharp performance, describing it as the "opposite of last week" following their nine-wicket loss in the series opener.

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We needed to bounce back and it was a great couple of days from the lads.

The victory was largely set up by an exceptional opening spell from Mitchell Starc, who claimed 6-12 in the first innings, skittling Bangladesh out for just 64. "We needed to bounce back and it was a great couple of days from the lads," Cummins said. "I thought everyone was really sharp."

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I thought everyone was really sharp. You know, it's a bit like the opposite of last week.

All-rounder Cameron Green also silenced critics with a commanding series, following his century in Darwin with a crucial 67 in the second Test. This knock helped drive Australia to a 146-run lead, a margin that proved insurmountable for Bangladesh. "He looked in total command of his batting this whole series," Cummins commented on Green. "So really happy for him. Again, he held our innings together yesterday and this morning."

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He looked in total command of his batting this whole series.

Despite the emphatic win, Australia's batting order remains a concern ahead of their upcoming Test tour against South Africa. Meanwhile, Bangladesh, despite the series loss, enhanced their reputation during their first Test tour of Australia in 23 years. Their left-arm paceman Shoriful Islam took 7-48 in the second match, the best innings haul by a Bangladesh bowler in an away Test, showcasing promising talent.

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So really happy for him. Again, he held our innings together yesterday and this morning. So hopefully, he can take a lot of confidence out of that. We know how good he is.