In the 149 year long history of Test cricket, moments that revive decades-old records are exceptionally rare. A similar historic feat unfolded at the Mackay ground during the ongoing Test match between Australia and Bangladesh. Left-arm fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Shoriful Islam scripted a extraordinary chapter in modern cricket with their sensational bowling displays. Exactly 67 years ago, during the 1958-59 New Year Ashes Test at Sydney, the Australian duo of Alan Davidson and Ian Meckiff had taken six wickets each in the same match against England. Since that iconic Test match, eras have changed and playing conditions have evolved, but two left-arm pacers taking six wickets apiece in the same Test match had never been repeated. On a lively pitch at Mackay, Starc and Shoriful finally ended that 67 year wait with an exhibition of pace, swing, and seam movement.
Mitchell Starc Destroys Bangladesh in the First Innings
When play commenced in the morning session, Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc appeared determined to erase the memory of their loss in the opening Test. The red ball swung noticeably in his hands from the very beginning, and he signaled his intentions on the very first delivery of his opening over by dismissing Bangladesh opener Shadman Islam. In his subsequent over, Starc struck two more decisive blows by getting rid of Tanjid Hasan and Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto off consecutive deliveries, dismantling the visitor's top order in rapid succession.
Starc completed his 19th five-wicket haul in Test cricket in just 22 balls during a spell of extraordinary speed and accuracy. He finished his spell with incredible figures of 6 wickets for 12 runs in 10 overs. Bangladesh's batting lineup crumbled completely under the onslaught, getting bowled out for a paltry total of 64 runs in their first innings.
Shoriful Islam Resists with Bat and Strikes with Ball
Amid Bangladesh's batting collapse, Shoriful Islam offered the only notable resistance with the bat. He added 25 crucial runs for the final wicket alongside Taijul Islam, helping his side avoid an even lower total. However, the real drama began when Shoriful, who had been dismissed by Starc in Bangladesh's first innings, took the ball in his hands for Australia's second innings.
Australia started their second innings on a steady note, moving smoothly to 40 for the loss of one wicket. At that juncture, the host side seemed poised to take firm control of the match. However, Shoriful turned the match on its head with an exceptional spell of left-arm seam bowling. He tested the Australian top order with late movement and quickly removed Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne, sending tremors through the Australian dressing room.
Shoriful Completes Historic Six Wicket Haul
As the day progressed into the evening session, Shoriful became increasingly unplayable. He bowled an aggressive spell to dismiss set batter Steven Smith for 42 runs, breaking a key partnership. Shoriful continued to trap the Australian lower-middle order in his swing trap and eventually closed out the day's play by bowling out Mitchell Starc. In a poetic twist of fate, Shoriful completed his historical six-wicket haul by dismissing the very bowler who had taken his wicket in the first innings.
Cameron Green Holds Firm as Match Hangs in Balance
While wickets tumbled around him, Australian all-rounder Cameron Green held one end secure. Green showed commendable patience and technical composure to score an undefeated 51 runs, anchoring Australia's second innings through tough overs. By the close of play, Australia held a total lead of 101 runs with two wickets remaining in their second innings. While Australia still retain a slim upper hand with those two wickets in hand, Shoriful's six-wicket haul has left the Test match delicately balanced. On a Mackay pitch that was initially expected to favor batters, left-arm pacers from both teams turned the contest into a classic showcase of seam and swing bowling.
