Bangladesh produced a strong performance on day one of the first Test against Australia, overcoming a controversial reprieve for Steve Smith to bowl the hosts out for 198 in Darwin.
Smith escapes dismissal
Steve Smith was on seven when Bangladesh appealed for a catch behind off Ebadot Hossain. Umpire Kumar Dharmasena rejected the appeal, but Bangladesh reviewed the decision.
Smith appeared ready to leave the field, but Snicko showed a flat line as the ball passed his bat, meaning the original not-out decision remained.
Smith makes 71
Smith admitted after the innings that he believed he may have edged the delivery.
The Australian batter took advantage of the reprieve to score 71 before Hasan Mahmud eventually dismissed him.
Smith was also dropped on two, making his innings even more valuable as Australia struggled against Bangladesh’s bowling attack.
Mahmud stars with six wickets
Hasan Mahmud was the standout bowler for Bangladesh, claiming a career-best six wickets for 55 runs.
Australia reached 152-5 before Taskin Ahmed dismissed Beau Webster, triggering a dramatic collapse.
The hosts lost their final five wickets for just 46 runs as Bangladesh took control of the Test.
Bangladesh finish strongly
Bangladesh began their reply positively despite losing Shadman Islam after he edged Mitchell Starc to gully.
Tanzid Hasan Tamim remained unbeaten on 32, while Mominul Haque was not out on 35 as Bangladesh closed the day on 96-1.
The Tigers trail Australia by 102 runs heading into day two.
History favours Australia
Australia have never lost a home Test against Bangladesh, winning five of their previous six meetings and drawing the other.
Bangladesh’s only Test victory over Australia came in Mirpur in 2017.
The current series is a two-Test contest, giving Bangladesh an opportunity to create history in Darwin.
