​’Australia have flexed their muscles’: Cricket world reacts as Mitchell Starc demolishes Bangladesh after 1st Test shock originally appeared on Cricket News.
Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.KEY TAKEAWAYS:Mitchell Starc tore through Bangladesh with a six-wicket haul as the visitors were bowled out for 64 on the opening day of the second Test at Mackay.Starc took five wickets from his first 22 deliveries, leaving Bangladesh 12/5 before lunch.The stunning collapse came less than a week after Bangladesh recorded a shocking nine-wicket victory over Australia in the first Test.Mitchell Starc takes six wickets as Bangladesh collapse for just 64 in 2nd Test at MackayBangladesh’s stunning first-Test victory over Australia already feels like a distant memory after Mitchell Starc produced a devastating opening spell in the second Test at Mackay.The Australian left-arm quick ripped through Bangladesh’s top order on Saturday, claiming five wickets from his first 22 deliveries as the visitors collapsed to 64 all out at the Great Barrier Reef Arena.Starc removed Shadman Islam with the first ball of the match before dismissing Tanzid Hasan, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque and Litton Das to leave Bangladesh in serious trouble inside the opening hour.The collapse was so severe that Bangladesh were 12/5 in the seventh over before eventually reaching lunch at 35/6, before being bowled out for 64 as Starc finished the innings with a six-wicket haul.MORE:Lowest score in Test cricket history: Full list of lowest team totalsCricket World reacts as Australia, Mitchell Starc tears through Bangladesh’s battingVeteran Indian commentator and journalist Harsha Bhogle summed up the devastating sequence of events at Mackay. It wasn’t surprising as Australia were expected to come out with all guns blazing after being a humiliating nine-wicket loss at home in Darwin.”Wow, Australia have flexed their muscles and, disappointingly, Bangladesh have capitulated.” he posted.Wow, Australia have flexed their muscles and, disappointingly, Bangladesh have capitulated. Just 64 and the last wicket partnership was the biggest.— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 22, 2026Former Australia quick Damien Fleming was also impressed by Starc’s rapid start, posting: “That is a very quick raise of the ball by M Starc – 5/4. Can he get all 10 wickets?”That is a very quick raise of the ball by M Starc – 5/4 👏Can he get all 10 wickets 🤔#Ausvbanpic.twitter.com/nkeuGtzsa1— Damien Fleming (@bowlologist) August 22, 2026Cricket journalist Andrew McGlashan similarly highlighted Starc’s blistering opening and Australia’s brutal response, writing: “Crisis, what crisis? Mitchell Starc with three wickets in his first eight balls.”MORE:’Does not bother me’: Australia great Mike Hussey open to England Test batting coach role before Ashes 2027With his six-wicket haul, Starc also entered the top 10 list of all-time highest wicket-takers in Test cricket