Barnstorming Bangladesh humble Australia on day one of Darwin test

Aug 13 : Bangladesh savoured their first taste of test cricket in Australia for 23 years on Thursday as they skittled the world's top-ranked side for less than 200 and went to stumps in command at 96 for one on the first day of the series-opener in Darwin.

Hasan Mahmud was the standout performer on a famous day for Bangladesh pace bowling, taking 6-55 at Marrara Oval to rout Pat Cummins's team for 198, their lowest innings total in seven tests against the South Asian side.

Mahmud's haul was the third best in tests by a Bangladesh quick and included the prized wicket of Steve Smith for 71 before tea.

Barring Smith, it was a poor display by Australia's batters after captain Pat Cummins won the toss and put them to work on a slow, green-tinged pitch under a blazing sun.

Under-pressure opener Jake Weatherald (23), Darwin's first test player, squandered a start and all-rounder Cameron Green's 13-ball 13 may deepen doubts about his place in the team.

"Yeah, not our best. Still plenty of cricket to be played, obviously," said Smith, who was dropped in the slips on two. 

"It would have been nice to have taken a few more (wickets). So, hopefully we start well in the morning, pick up a few early ones and put pressure on." 

By contrast, Bangladesh's top order batted with patience and resilience, foiling Australia's elite attack of Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon as the pitch flattened out in the afternoon.

STARC MILESTONE

Starc made the sole breakthrough, removing Shadman Islam for 20, but opener Tanzid Hasan (32 not out) and number three Mominul Haque (35 not out) combined in a 60-run partnership to see Bangladesh safely to stumps.

The second-wicket stand was six runs better than Bangladesh's paltry second innings