Shoriful keeps Tigers in the hunt

The opening day of the Mackay Test produced two contrasting performances from Bangladesh. They were first bowled out for just 64, their fourth-lowest Test total, before Shoriful Islam's career-best 6-35 helped them fight back and leave Australia on 165-8 at stumps.

Shoriful, returning after missing the first Test with a hamstring injury, kept the Tigers in the hunt after Mitchell Starc's 6-12 had threatened to turn the match into a one-sided contest. Australia still lead by 101 runs, but the Tigers’ remarkable fightback has given them hope of recovering from their morning collapse.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

Starc struck with the first ball, dismissing Shadman Islam to become the first bowler to take a wicket with the opening delivery of a Test on four occasions. He then claimed four more wickets in his next 21 balls to reduce Bangladesh to 12-5.

The Tigers were in danger of falling below their lowest Test total of 43, against the West Indies in 2018, before some resistance from the lower order helped them reach 64. Shoriful, batting at No. 11, top-scored with 14.

Starc's brilliance was complemented by some poor shot selection from Bangladesh, with four batters failing to score.

“Bring the stumps into play, bring that outside edge into play,” Starc said of Australia's plan.

“With the assistance off the wicket, we can get that ball forward and bring in the outside edge, bring in the stumps a bit more, make them play a bit more.”

But the visitor’s left-arm pacer soon turned the momentum around.

Shoriful struck twice in his opening over, removing Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne before later dismissing Steve Smith for 42, ending a 77-run stand with Cameron Green. He then added three wickets in five balls, removing Beau Webster, Cummins and Starc respectively to complete his maiden Test five-for and career-best figures.

His six wickets matched Starc's tally, making it a remarkable day for the two left-arm quicks.

Following the stunning performance, Shoriful said the dressing room still believed Bangladesh can turn the Test around despite being bowled out for just 64.

“The message in the dressing room was that the game is far from over and our turn to bowl is coming up,” Shoriful said after the day’s play.

“We are still well in the game. InshaAllah, we will try to make sure the entire second innings belongs to us.”

He became the first Test cricketer to both top-score for his team from No. 11 and take the most wickets in the opposition's innings.

Shoriful, however, insisted the team result mattered more.

“Everyone feels good getting their first five-for. But I'll feel best if we win the match,” he said. “I'm not overthinking or excessively celebrating just because I got five wickets. If we win the match, I'll be very happy.”

If their batters can learn from their mistakes and produce a significantly better second innings, the visitors could yet turn a disastrous morning into a memorable Test. Otherwise, they might even lose the match within two days.