Bangladesh made an impressive start with the ball to reduce Australia to 74/4 at lunch on the opening day of the first Test in Darwin on Thursday.
Australia chose to bat first after winning the toss, but Bangladesh’s pace attack struck four times during a strong opening session.
Hasan Mahmud gave Bangladesh their first breakthrough by removing Jake Weatherald for 23. Weatherald edged behind to wicketkeeper Litton Das with Australia on 45.
Hasan struck again soon after. He bowled Travis Head for 22 from 39 balls to leave Australia at 52 for two.
Ebadot Hossain then joined the action after an impressive opening spell. He removed Marnus Labuschagne, who edged the ball to Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto at slip. Australia slipped to 61 for three.
Steve Smith survived a few nervous moments. Tanzid Hasan Tamim dropped him at slip when he was on two. Smith also survived a Bangladesh review after Ebadot appealed for a catch behind.
Taskin Ahmed then delivered another important breakthrough just before lunch. Cameron Green was caught by Mushfiqur Rahim for 13, leaving Australia at 74/4 and bringing an end to the first session.
Hasan was the pick of the Bangladesh bowlers with two wickets, while Ebadot and Taskin claimed one each.
Bangladesh went into the match with three pacers in Taskin, Hasan and Ebadot, alongside spinners Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam.
