Australia register lowest-ever Test score against Bangladesh in shocking 53-over collapse

Darwin: Extending their breathtaking morning assault, Bangladesh's seam attack has bundled Australia out for a paltry 198 in just 53 overs on the opening day of the first Test at Marrara Stadium. This dramatic collapse marks Australia's lowest-ever Test score against the Tigers, undercutting the 217 they managed in Chattogram in 2017.

The swift 53-over collapse is a historic anomaly for the hosts against a touring sub-continental side. It stands as Australia's second-lowest first-innings total in a home World Test Championship fixture, trailing only their 152 all out against England during the 2025 Boxing Day Test.

Spearheading this unprecedented pace dominance was 26-year-old seamer Hasan Mahmud, who claimed a spectacular, career-best 6 for 55 in 17 overs. Mahmud's scintillating spell etched his name into the record books as the first Bangladeshi bowler to register a Test five-wicket haul on Australian soil.

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After the top order was dismantled early in the day, veteran Steve Smith waged a solitary battle from No. 4, compiling a resilient 71 off 109 deliveries. Despite Smith’s efforts to anchor the innings and build partnerships with Alex Carey (19) and Beau Webster (12), Bangladesh's relentless pace battery refused to yield. Ebadot Hossain (2 for 39) provided a critical post-drinks breakthrough by bowling Carey, whilst Taskin Ahmed (2 for 55) castled Webster to ruthlessly expose the Australian tail.

Returning for an incisive final spell, Mahmud meticulously wiped out the lower order. He removed captain Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc in quick succession, before drawing a fatal top-edge from a charging Smith. Mahmud then dismissed Nathan Lyon to wrap up the innings shortly after the tea break.

In a stark departure from the traditional sub-continental reliance on spin, all ten Australian wickets fell to the seamers.