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By Ishaan Kapoor — 13 August 2026 — 3 min read

Bangladesh took control on day one of the first Test against Australia in Darwin, despite a controversial reprieve for Steve Smith. Smith, who top-scored for Australia with 71 runs, was initially given not out after an appeal for caught behind, a decision that stood following a review despite his own belief that he had edged the ball. The tourists, however, capitalized on the Australian batting struggles, dismissing them for 198.

Fast bowler Hasan Mahmud was instrumental for Bangladesh, achieving career-best figures of 6-55. In response, Bangladesh reached 96-1 by the close of play, trailing Australia by 102 runs. Openers Tanzid Hasan Tamim, unbeaten on 32, and Mominul Haque, not out on 35, guided their team to a strong position after the early loss of Shadman Islam.

Smith’s Reprieve and Australian Struggles

The day’s play saw a significant moment when Steve Smith, on seven runs, was subject to a caught-behind appeal off Ebadot Hossain. Umpire Kumar Dharmasena ruled not out, and although Bangladesh reviewed the decision, the Snicko technology displayed a flat line as the ball passed the bat, confirming the original call. Smith later indicated he felt he had edged the ball, acknowledging that technology had saved him.

Despite Smith’s contribution, the rest of the Australian batting lineup struggled. The team found themselves at 152-5 before losing their last five wickets for just 46 runs. Taskin Ahmed contributed to this collapse by bowling Beau Webster, further highlighting the difficulties faced by the Australian middle and lower order.

This incident with Snicko technology follows previous controversies during the last Ashes series in Australia, where issues related to image and audio synchronization had arisen. However, in Smith’s case, the technology showed a flat line, leading to the decision being upheld.

Ponting Criticises Selection Choices

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting voiced strong criticism regarding Australia’s selection policy for the two-Test series against Bangladesh. Ponting expressed his disappointment that selectors opted to “stick with what they know” rather than introducing younger players, especially given the extensive 12-month schedule ahead, which includes 21 Tests and tours to South Africa and India.

Ponting specifically mentioned that he believed players like Victoria opener Campbell Kellaway and middle-order batter Ollie Peake should have been given an opportunity. He questioned when these younger talents would be blooded into the team if not during this series, suggesting that debuting them in more challenging environments, such as against bowlers like Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen in South Africa, would be considerably harder.

Australia’s squad for this series features only one player, Cameron Green, who is younger than 31. Ponting also commented on captain Pat Cummins’ decision to bat first after winning the toss, a choice that surprised many in the Australian camp. He attributed some of the batting failures to repeated mistakes by top-order players, noting a lack of intent to score from some and an over-intent from others.

Australia has historically performed well against Bangladesh in home Tests, having never lost to them on home soil. Their only previous loss to Bangladesh in six Tests occurred at Mirpur in 2017.

Bangladesh’s Strong Reply

In their innings, Bangladesh started steadily despite losing opener Shadman Islam to Mitchell Starc. However, Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Mominul Haque built a solid partnership, guiding their team to a strong position by the end of the first day. Their unbeaten stand has put Bangladesh in a commanding position as they look to build on their lead on the second day of the match.

The first Test is part of a two-Test series between the two nations.

Source: bbc.com