Bangladesh could have bundled out Australia for 60 if they had won toss: Broad

Stuart Broad, former England pacer, has expressed doubts over the behaviour of the pitch of the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay after questions have also been raised over the batting failure of Bangladesh in the second Test against Australia just as discussion is going on about it. The match ended in just two days.

Thirty wickets fell in this Test of 125 overs. Australia defeated Bangladesh by an innings and 51 runs in just the fifth session and finished the two-match series 1-1. Bangladesh’s scores in the two innings were 64 and 95 runs respectively. Australia scored 210 runs in their only innings. Mitchell Starc took 10 wickets with excellent bowling in the match. Cameron Green scored the highest 67 runs for Australia.

As Australia is a stronger team than Bangladesh the decision to play on such a bowling-friendly pitch has seemed risky to Broad. According to him, although advantage can be gained on such a pitch against a comparatively weaker team, it can bring danger against a stronger opponent.

Analysing the latest Test between Bangladesh and Australia on the ‘For the Love of Cricket’ YouTube channel Broad said that if Bangladesh had won the toss and bowled first they could have all-out Australia within 60 runs. According to him, the way the ball was nipping and moving on the pitch such a possibility cannot be ruled out.

Broad also raised questions over Australia’s pitch planning. He said that although Australia defeated Bangladesh by an innings and finished the series 1-1 some questions still remain about them. Starc bowled excellently and swung the ball. Alongside the ball was bouncing and moving almost everywhere on the pitch.

According to Broad, variety is being seen in the pitches this year. As a result teams do not have to depend on spinners all the time.

The Test in Mackay ended in just 750 balls. This is the fourth shortest match in Test history. This is the third match among Australia’s last seven Tests at home that has ended within two days. Earlier the Perth and Melbourne Tests in the 2025-26 Ashes had also ended within two days.