Steve Smith Acknowledges DRS Reprieve as Bangladesh Pacers Dismiss Australia for 198 in Darwin Test
Australia were bowled out for 198 on the opening day of the first Test against Bangladesh at Marrara Stadium in Darwin on August 13, 2026. Despite Australia winning the toss and choosing to bat, a disciplined display from Bangladesh’s fast-bowling unit dismantled the hosts, with Steve Smith top-scoring with 71 runs after benefiting from a key Decision Review System (DRS) reprieve.
What Happened
The fixture marked the return of Test cricket to Darwin after 22 years and Bangladesh’s first Test series in Australia in 23 years. Australia elected to bat on a surface featuring around 4mm of grass and early morning moisture, which Australian captain Pat Cummins felt favored bowling early in the match.
Australia’s batting lineup faced significant pressure against Bangladesh’s pacers. Steve Smith anchored the innings with 71 off 109 balls, hitting seven fours and one six, and shared a 55-run fifth-wicket stand with Alex Carey. During his innings, Smith was involved in a contentious dismissal review off Ebadot Hossain. Following an appeal from the bowler and wicketkeeper Litton Das, Smith started walking toward the pavilion. However, with the on-field umpire ruling not out, television replays and Snicko indicated no edge, allowing Smith to continue his innings.
Speaking at the post-day press conference, Smith conceded that the review system worked in his favor, stating, “I think so, yeah. Was I lucky. It seems so, yeah. You’ve got to take it sometimes. Maybe I didn’t nick it. I certainly felt something. If I was given out I was going to walk off. Technology saved me today I guess.”
Key Highlights
- All Ten Wickets to Pace: Bangladesh’s fast bowlers claimed all ten Australian wickets in an innings for only the second time in their Test history, repeating their achievement from Rawalpindi in 2024.
- Hasan Mahmud’s Six-Wicket Haul: Hasan Mahmud returned figures of 6 for 55, recording the third-best bowling figures by a Bangladeshi fast bowler in Test cricket.
- Supporting Pace Attack: Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain secured two wickets each, achieving the feat despite the absence of unavailable fast bowlers Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam.
- Smith’s Resistance: Steve Smith’s 71 and his 55-run partnership with Alex Carey provided the main resistance in Australia’s total of 198.
Why This Matters
The performance highlights a landmark bowling effort for Bangladesh in overseas conditions. Bowled out inside the first day, Australia struggled with the initial conditions, which Smith described as tacky and offering significant seam movement early on due to moisture, before the pitch hardened as play progressed.
What to Watch Next
The match moves into Day 2 with Bangladesh set to begin their response with the bat, while both teams monitor whether morning moisture affects the pitch’s behavior early in the upcoming sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Steve Smith’s score in the first innings?
Steve Smith scored 71 runs off 109 deliveries, including seven boundaries and one six.
How did Bangladesh take Australia’s wickets?
All ten Australian wickets fell to Bangladesh fast bowlers: Hasan Mahmud took 6 for 55, while Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain claimed two wickets each.
Why was the match historically significant for both teams?
The match marked the first Test in Darwin in 22 years and Bangladesh’s first Test series in Australia in 23 years.
Source: CricTracker