MACKAY, Australia : Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon inspired Australia to an innings and 51-run victory over Bangladesh in Mackay on Sunday, completing a swift response to their shock defeat in Darwin and levelling the two-test series 1-1.
Starc took four wickets and Lyon three as Bangladesh were bowled out for 95 in 38.3 overs at Great Barrier Reef Arena, following their first-innings total of just 64.
The victory gave Starc match figures of 10-51 and underlined the strength of Australia’s experienced bowling attack on a bouncy surface.
“It’s been a good series,” Australia all-rounder Cameron Green said after top-scoring with 67.
“I think it’s a bit of a shame, obviously, what happened last week. But for the boys to come out this week and do that, it’s pretty special.”
Australia’s response may nevertheless do little to ease concerns over their batting ahead of a three-test tour of South Africa in October against the reigning World Test Championship winners.
Having bowled Australia out for 210, Bangladesh needed 146 runs to make the hosts bat again but were soon in trouble.
The tourists slipped to 39-3 by lunch before another collapse in the middle session left them 95-8 at tea.
Lyon then struck twice in three balls immediately after the interval to wrap up the match and complete Australia’s emphatic turnaround.
Bangladesh’s batting struggles followed their nine-wicket victory in the series opener in Darwin, where they had stunned the hosts with their first test win on Australian soil.
The result in Mackay ensured the series ended level, while Australia’s bowlers once again demonstrated their ability to exploit pace and bounce despite the team’s continuing questions at the top of the order.
