Steve Smith admitted he was given a second life by technology after playing a lone hand in Australia’s frail innings on day one of the first Test in Darwin, before Bangladesh took on their bowlers with class.
Smith survived a caught behind review while on seven, despite appearing to shave the ball, before top-scoring with 71 after captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat.
“I think so, yeah,” Smith told media when asked if he had nicked behind.
“Was I lucky? It seems that way, yeah. You’ve got to take it sometimes. Well maybe I didn’t nick it, I don’t know, but I definitely felt something. If I’d been given out, I was going to walk off but yeah, technology saved me today, I guess.”
Bangladesh pace bowler Hasan Mahmud starred with 6-55 as Australia were bundled out for 198 in 53 overs at Marrara Stadium. It was the 26-year-old’s best Test figures in an innings.
Under pressure batters Jake Weatherald (23), Marnus Labuschagne (one) and Cameron Green (13) all failed.
In reply, the visitors went on the attack to finish the day at 1-96 with Tanzid Hasan (32 not out) and Mominul Haque (35no) relatively untroubled.
Mitchell Starc ended a breezy knock by Shadman Islam (20) to take his Test wicket tally to 434, the most ever by a left-arm bowler.
Mahmud said the bowling group was thrilled with Cummins’ call to bat first.
“It was an opportunity I was thinking was very good for our bowlers, particularly in these conditions,” he said.
“The way we started was awesome and we just kept bowling in our channels.”
AAP
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