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August 24, 2026 4:00 PM

News

Mackay’s Historic Test Ends Too Soon as Australia Crush Bangladesh

Mackay’s Historic Test Ends Too Soon as Australia Crush Bangladesh

Mackay finally got its long-awaited taste of men’s Test cricket, but the historic occasion ended far sooner than anyone expected. The Test at the Great Barrier Reef Arena lasted just five sessions, with Australia completing a dominant victory over Bangladesh inside two days.

For the local fans, however, the match was about much more than the result. More than 12,000 spectators turned up across the weekend, creating a lively atmosphere around the venue and celebrating Mackay’s first appearance on the Test cricket map. Tickets had even sold out for the scheduled third day.

Instead, the ground was empty of international cricket by Monday morning.

Starc sets the tone

Australia’s victory was powered by a devastating spell from Mitchell Starc, who claimed 6/12 and immediately put Bangladesh under enormous pressure. His opening burst on the second morning effectively turned the match in Australia’s favour.

Bangladesh’s Shoriful Islam also produced a memorable performance, troubling the Australian batters with his swing and accuracy. However, the match was ultimately decided as much by poor batting as it was by outstanding bowling.

Of the 30 wickets that fell, numerous dismissals came from batters playing loose or unnecessary shots, highlighting the difficulty both teams had in adapting to the conditions.

A pitch that offered plenty

The Mackay surface had plenty of pace, bounce and movement, resembling the traditional conditions associated with Brisbane’s Gabba. The breeze also helped the left-arm seamers, giving Starc and Shoriful an opportunity to exploit the conditions.

Yet the pitch itself was not considered responsible for the extraordinary collapse. Instead, the batting performances from both sides came under heavy scrutiny.

Cameron Green was one of the few Australian batters to stand out, scoring a composed 67 from 105 balls. His ability to absorb pressure while maintaining his technique offered a glimpse of the Test batter Australia hopes he can become.

Bangladesh unable to repeat Darwin heroics

After their historic victory in Darwin, Bangladesh were unable to reproduce the same level of discipline and determination in Mackay.

There were early warning signs when Shadman Islam was dismissed by Starc with the first ball of Bangladesh’s second innings. The visitors struggled to cope with Australia’s pace attack, while several batters threw away their wickets with attacking shots that offered little reward.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto’s dismissal to Nathan Lyon, caught at long-off by Starc, summed up Bangladesh’s disappointing batting effort.

A memorable occasion despite the early finish

For Mackay, the Test will still be remembered as a landmark sporting occasion. Local supporters, visiting fans and the large Bangladeshi community brought plenty of colour and energy to the ground.

The match may have lasted only 125 overs, but it gave the region its first taste of Test cricket and created memories that will remain long after the players have left.

Monday was supposed to bring another full day of cricket. Instead, the players had already departed through Mackay Airport.

Mackay deserved a longer Test, but its historic debut will still be remembered.

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#Mitchell Starc

#Shoriful Islam

#Australia

#Bangladesh