# Australia vs Bangladesh 1st Test: Australia Bat First in Darwin as Bangladesh Hand Ebadot Hossain and Hasan Mahmud Key Roles


Australia won the toss and elected to bat first against Bangladesh in the opening Test of the two-match series at Marrara Stadium in Darwin on Thursday.


The match is a significant occasion for both sides. It is Australia's first Test in Darwin in more than two decades and Bangladesh's first Test match on Australian soil since 2003. The visitors have arrived with the ambition of making history, while Australia begin the series as the more experienced side and one of the leading teams in the World Test Championship standings.


Australia decided to make use of what appeared to be a good batting opportunity after winning the toss. The surface had some grass and looked slightly tacky under the humid Darwin conditions, meaning the Australian batters knew that the opening period could still be difficult against Bangladesh's fast bowlers.


## Bangladesh Put Faith in Their Pace Attack


Bangladesh have selected a pace-heavy attack for the opening Test, with Hasan Mahmud and Ebadot Hossain expected to play important roles with the new ball.


Ebadot's return is particularly notable. Bangladesh needed additional pace options because several of their regular bowlers have been unavailable. His ability to generate bounce and movement could prove valuable on a Darwin pitch that has shown signs of assistance for fast bowlers.


Hasan Mahmud also made an immediate impact. He removed Australia's debutant opener Jake Weatherald and then dismissed Travis Head, putting the hosts under pressure during the opening session.


The visitors are also relying on experienced fast bowler Taskin Ahmed, while the Bangladesh attack has other pace options available to captain Najmul Hossain Shanto.


Bangladesh's selection reflects the importance of fast bowling in Darwin. The pitch can offer movement early in an innings, and the humid conditions may make life uncomfortable for batters who are trying to settle at the crease.


## Australia Hand Jake Weatherald His Test Debut


Australia included Jake Weatherald at the top of the order for his Test debut. He opened alongside Travis Head, with the hosts looking to establish a strong foundation before their experienced middle order came into play.


Weatherald showed some positive signs early in his innings but was eventually dismissed for 23 by Hasan Mahmud. His departure gave Bangladesh encouragement and showed that Australia's decision to bat first would not automatically guarantee an easy start.


Travis Head was also unable to convert his start. He made 22 before Hasan Mahmud found the edge of his defence and sent him back to the pavilion.


With both openers dismissed, Australia were suddenly under pressure despite winning the toss.


## Labuschagne Falls as Bangladesh Apply More Pressure


Bangladesh's strong start continued when Ebadot Hossain removed Marnus Labuschagne for just one run.


Labuschagne has been under pressure to return to his best Test form, and his early dismissal was another positive moment for Bangladesh. At 61 for three, Australia found themselves in an unexpectedly difficult position.


Steve Smith and Cameron Green then came together with the responsibility of rebuilding the innings.


Smith survived a major scare when Bangladesh believed Ebadot had found his edge behind the wicket. Bangladesh reviewed the decision, but the technology showed no contact and Smith was given not out.


The moment was frustrating for the visitors because they appeared convinced that they had finally removed one of Australia's most experienced batters.


## Steve Smith Survives Another Chance


Smith's innings was also marked by another important moment when he was given an opportunity after Bangladesh failed to hold a catch.


The Australian veteran remained at the crease and began trying to stabilise the innings alongside Cameron Green. His experience could become crucial if the Darwin pitch continues to offer assistance to Bangladesh's bowlers.


For Australia, the aim will be to survive the difficult opening period and then take control as the ball becomes older.


For Bangladesh, the priority will be to keep attacking and prevent Australia from building a large first-innings total.


## Historic Test Match in Darwin


The first Test has added significance because Test cricket has returned to Darwin after a lengthy absence.


The northern Australian venue offers different conditions from many of the traditional Test grounds. The combination of humidity, bounce and movement can make the first session particularly important.


Bangladesh entered the match aware that Australia have historically dominated their Test meetings. However, the visitors have developed a stronger red-ball team in recent years and have shown that they can compete against major opponents.


Bangladesh's recent Test performances and their pace-bowling options have given them confidence that they can challenge Australia if they maintain pressure throughout the match.


## Australia Enter the Series With Strong Squad


Australia have named a powerful squad containing several of their leading Test players.


Pat Cummins leads the side, while Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon provide Australia with considerable experience in the bowling department. Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head and Cameron Green form the core of the batting group.


The return of several senior players has also increased expectations around the Australian team. Their goal will be to start the World Test Championship campaign strongly and avoid giving Bangladesh any opportunity to take control of the series.


Bangladesh, meanwhile, are being led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz serving as vice-captain.


The visitors' squad includes experienced players such as Mushfiqur Rahim, Mominul Haque, Taijul Islam and Taskin Ahmed, along with younger players who are looking to make an impact at the highest level.


## Bangladesh Looking to Create History


Bangladesh have never won a Test match in Australia, making this series an important challenge for the team.


The visitors know that beating Australia in their own conditions would be one of the biggest achievements in Bangladesh's Test history.


The opening Test in Darwin therefore carries importance beyond the result of a single match. A strong performance could give Bangladesh confidence ahead of the second Test in Mackay.


Australia, on the other hand, will want to use home conditions to establish control from the beginning of the series.


## What Happens Next?


After Australia chose to bat first, Bangladesh's bowlers made the most of the early assistance from the surface. Hasan Mahmud emerged as the standout bowler during the opening period, while Ebadot Hossain also created problems for the Australian batting lineup.


Australia's experienced middle order now has the task of rebuilding the innings and ensuring Bangladesh do not gain further momentum.


The opening Test is scheduled to run from August 13 to August 17 at Marrara Stadium in Darwin. The second Test will be played in Mackay from August 22 to August 26.


The first day has already produced an entertaining contest, with Bangladesh showing that Australia will have to work hard for every run.


### Match Details


**Match:** Australia vs Bangladesh, 1st Test

**Venue:** Marrara Stadium, Darwin

**Date:** August 13–17, 2026

**Toss:** Australia won the toss and elected to bat

**Series:** Two-match Test series

**Australia Captain:** Pat Cummins

**Bangladesh Captain:** Najmul Hossain Shanto


**Label:** Cricket News, Australia vs Bangladesh, Test Cricket, Sports News


**Description:** Australia elected to bat first after winning the toss against Bangladesh in the opening Test at Darwin. Bangladesh's fast bow

lers Hasan Mahmud and Ebadot Hossain made an early impact as Australia faced pressure on a lively surface.