Lethal left-armers star as Australia take 101-run lead against Bangladesh in second test

Left-arm pacemen Mitchell Starc and Shoriful Islam dominated a dramatic first day of the second test, taking six wickets apiece as Australia secured a 101-run lead over Bangladesh. Eighteen wickets fell across three turbulent sessions on the bouncy Mackay wicket.

Australia, trailing 1-0 in the series after a heavy defeat in Darwin, opted to bowl first. Starc immediately justified the decision, taking the first five wickets in just 22 balls with a brilliant display of swing bowling. His spell of 6-12 saw Bangladesh dismissed for a mere 64 just after lunch.

However, Bangladesh fought back fiercely in the afternoon. Recalled paceman Shoriful Islam, celebrating his first test five-wicket haul after a hamstring strain, ripped through Australia's top order. He dismissed opener Travis Head for 22 and Marnus Labuschagne for 4, before trapping Steve Smith lbw for 44. Smith's departure ended a crucial 77-run partnership with all-rounder Cameron Green, who remained unbeaten on 51 at stumps with tailender Nathan Lyon on 10. Australia limped to 165-8 by the close of play.