Mitchell Starc and Shoriful Islam produced outstanding bowling performances on the opening day of the second Test between Australia and Bangladesh in Mackay on Saturday (August 22).
Both left-arm pacers picked up six wickets in the same Test, creating a rare piece of Test history. It has happened only twice in the 149-year history of Test cricket.
The only previous occasion came during the 1958-59 New Year’s Ashes Test. Australia's Alan Davidson took 6/64 in the first innings before his teammate Ian Meckiff claimed 6/38 in the final innings. Australia went on to win that match by eight wickets.
Starc destroys Bangladesh's top order
Starc looked almost impossible to play during the morning session. The Australian quick finished with remarkable figures of 6/12 from 10 overs as Bangladesh were dismissed for just 64.
He needed only one delivery to make his mark, removing Shadman Islam with the opening ball of the innings.
Starc then struck again in his next over, dismissing Tanzid Hasan and Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. He completed his five-wicket haul from just 22 balls and registered his 19th five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
Bangladesh eventually managed to reach 64, with Shoriful Islam and Taijul Islam adding 25 runs for the final wicket.
Shoriful hits back in Australia's innings
Shoriful later gave Bangladesh something to cheer about with an impressive spell of his own. Australia made a steady start and reached 40/1 before Shoriful struck twice. He removed Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne to put the hosts under pressure.
The Bangladesh pacer returned later in the day and continued his excellent spell. He picked up four more wickets, including Steve Smith for 42, before finishing the day's play by dismissing Starc.
Shoriful ended with six wickets, matching Starc's achievement earlier in the day.
A rare battle between two left-arm quicks
The performance became even more interesting because Shoriful had himself been dismissed by Starc during Bangladesh's first innings. It meant both left-arm pacers took six wickets and also got the other's wicket during the day. Cameron Green remained unbeaten on 51 and helped Australia maintain their lead. However, Shoriful's late burst prevented Australia from taking complete control. Australia finished the day 101 runs ahead with two wickets still remaining.
Bangladesh face an important second day
Bangladesh will need to take Australia's final two wickets quickly when play resumes. The pitch appeared to become easier for batting as the day progressed, despite Bangladesh's collapse earlier in the morning.