Bangladesh's pace trio stun Australia on historic Darwin return

Bangladesh's fast bowlers put on a scintillating display on the opening day of the first Test against Australia in Darwin, reducing the hosts to 157 for six inside 40 overs after Australia opted to bat first at the Marrara Stadium.

Taskin Ahmed struck twice, removing Beau Webster for 12 with a peach of a delivery that castled his off stump in the 39th over, before Steve Smith and Pat Cummins steadied the innings at the crease. Earlier, Ebadot Hossain broke a 55-run stand between Smith and Alex Carry, trapping the wicketkeeper-batter with a short-of-length delivery that clipped the inside edge onto the stumps.

The damage was done inside the first session, where Hasan Mahmud struck twice and Ebadot and Taskin claimed one wicket apiece to leave Australia reeling at 74 for four at lunch. Hasan removed both openers, Jake Weatherald for 23 and Travis Head for 22, exploiting the green Marrara pitch with movement off the seam. Ebadot then had Marnus Labuschagne caught behind for just one, while Taskin accounted for Cameron Green, caught at short midwicket for 13.

Smith, who survived on two after Tanzid Hasan Tamim shelled a catch off Ebadot at slip, went on to bring up his 45th Test half-century after Webster's dismissal, continuing his search for a maiden century against Bangladesh. Bangladesh also burned two unsuccessful reviews during the opening session, against Head and Smith respectively.

Hasan finished the morning session with figures of 2 for 25, while Taskin and Ebadot picked up one wicket each for 26 and 17 runs respectively.

The contest marks Bangladesh's first Test on Australian soil in 23 years, since their last tour in 2003, when Naimul Hossain's side suffered innings defeats in both matches. It is also the first Test to be staged at Darwin's Marrara Stadium in 22 years. Bangladesh, led by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, fielded three pacers and two spinners, while Australia, under Pat Cummins, went in with three specialist pacers, a lone spinner and a pace-bowling all-rounder in Webster.

At the time of writing, Australia were 157 for six after 40 overs, with Smith and Cummins at the crease looking to rebuild in the final session.