Bangladesh bowls out Australia for 198, reaches 96-1 on Day 1

Bangladesh delivered a commanding performance on the opening day of the first Test against Australia in Darwin, skittling the hosts for a low total and reaching stumps in a strong position. The visitors bowled out Australia for 198 before reaching 96 for one in reply at the close of play on Thursday at Marrara Oval.

Bangladesh pace bowler Hasan Mahmud was the architect of Australia's collapse, taking six wickets for 55 runs. He was well supported by Taskin Ahmed, who claimed two wickets for 46 runs, and Ebadot Hossain, who took two for 39. The Australian batting lineup struggled against the disciplined attack on a pitch that offered assistance to the seamers early on. Captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat, a decision that came under scrutiny as his team lost wickets at regular intervals.

Only Steve Smith offered significant resistance, scoring 71 runs off 109 balls. His innings included his 45th Test half-century, drawing him level with Steve Waugh for the second-most fifty-plus scores in Test history for Australia, behind only Ricky Ponting. Smith was the lone fighter as Australia slumped to 74 for four at lunch. He survived a chance on seven when an appeal for a...