Australia was bowled out for 198 on day one of the opening Test against Bangladesh in Darwin, recording their lowest ever total against Bangladesh after captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat, according to live reporting from Fox Sports. Batter Steve Smith provided the only resistance with 71, anchoring an innings that collapsed shortly after tea on a challenging opening day at Marrara Stadium on August 13, 2026.
The hosts struggled to counter a disciplined seam attack, losing all ten wickets to Bangladesh fast bowlers. Seamer Hasan Mahmud spearheaded the bowling unit with a career-best spell of 6/55 from 17 overs, leaving Australia’s top order under intense scrutiny as the touring side seized early momentum in the series.
Concurrently, off the field, Australian women’s vice-captain Ash Gardner addressed public attention surrounding her personal life and leadership position. Gardner issued a statement on Instagram on Thursday afternoon to address her separation from her ex, Monica, and to confirm her status within Cricket Australia following discussions with CEO Todd Greenberg, as reported by The Sydney Morning Herald.
Bangladesh Seamer Hasan Mahmud Runs Riot in Darwin
Bangladesh capitalized on bowling first in Darwin, maintaining relentless pressure on Australia’s batting lineup. Hasan Mahmud claimed six wickets, earning a standing ovation from spectators as he walked off the field after his 17-over spell. “I was very excited to play in Australia because they are one of the best teams in the world,” Mahmud told Fox Cricket’s Adam Gilchrist after play, as cited by Fox Sports. “I just tried to bowl line and lengths. Maintain the process and follow what the captain was saying.”
Australia’s innings faltered early in the first session as openers Jake Weatherald (23) and Travis Head (22) put on 45 runs before the team lost 4/29. Marnus Labuschagne fell cheaply for 1 run, and Cameron Green contributed 13 before departing. Steve Smith and Alex Carey (19) attempted a recovery after lunch with a 55-run partnership, but Carey’s dismissal—an inside edge off Edabot Hossain onto his stumps—sparked a secondary collapse. Bangladesh claimed 6/69 in that phase to wrap up the innings.
Milestones and Early Struggles in the Field
Australia’s difficulties extended into the bowling innings when Nathan Lyon dropped a high catch in Josh Hazlewood’s opening over. The chance marked Lyon’s first involvement in the field since sustaining a hamstring injury during the Adelaide Test the previous December, according to Fox Sports. Lyon quickly redeemed himself by holding onto a leading edge from Bangladesh opener Shadman Islam (20).
That dismissal brought Mitchell Starc his 434th Test wicket, elevating him to the most prolific left-arm bowler in Test history. Despite the historic milestone, Australia’s bowling attack faced immediate pressure defending the modest total of 198. David Warner, speaking on Kayo Sports, noted the precision of the touring attack, stating that it was “probably the first time I’ve seen any opposition come and hit the mark with their bowlers straight away,” as reported by Fox Sports.
Ash Gardner Addresses Cricket Australia Leadership Role
Away from the crease, Australian women’s cricket faced administrative attention regarding team leadership and selection protocols. Ash Gardner released a public statement via her Instagram story on Thursday afternoon addressing her separation from her ex, Monica, and her ongoing position as vice-captain, as detailed by The Sydney Morning Herald.
The statement followed discussions with Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg, who indicated that Gardner would recuse herself from leadership meetings about the selection of her current partner, teammate Georgia Voll. “While my separation from my wife is a personal matter, I understand my current relationship status needed to be addressed by Cricket Australia given my position as vice captain,” Gardner wrote on her Instagram story, as quoted by The Sydney Morning Herald. “I am grateful that the CA board has chosen to support my continued leadership.”
Play in the first Test in Darwin continues on day two as Bangladesh seeks to build a first-innings lead at Marrara Stadium.
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