Everyone was really sharp, says Cummins after Australia's thumping win over Bangladesh

Australia's captain Pat Cummins reflected on a dominant performance after his team defeated Bangladesh by an innings and 51 runs in the second Test at Mackay on August 22-23, 2026. The victory came after Australia lost the first Test in Darwin by nine wickets, making the turnaround particularly significant for the team.

Australia's first red-ball match since their Ashes series concluded in January had ended in defeat. The second Test at Mackay presented an immediate opportunity to respond, and the team seized it emphatically.

"I thought everyone was really sharp," Cummins was quoted as saying by NDTV Sports.

The contrast between the two Tests was stark. Australia scored 210 in their first innings, with Cameron Green contributing 67 and Steven Smith adding 42. Bangladesh managed only 64 in their first innings and 95 in their second, totalling 159 across both innings.

Mitchell Starc was the architect of Bangladesh's collapse, taking 6-12 in the first innings, claiming five wickets in just 22 balls. He finished with 10 for 51 across both innings, combining his first-innings haul with 4-39 in the second.

"I don't think we can expect to get six for 20, or whatever we had, every match. But it was a great start and we didn't really let up after that," he added.

The captain emphasised the importance of strong early momentum in Test cricket.

"If you get a really good first hour or two, it can set up the rest of the match," Cummins explained.

Reflecting on the contrasting fortunes across the two Tests, he noted the significance of the turnaround.

"A lot of things went right these couple of days, and a lot of things went wrong last week. We needed to bounce and it was a great couple of days for the lads," he added.

Cameron Green's performance drew particular praise from Cummins. Green had scored a century in Darwin and followed it with 67 at Mackay, demonstrating consistency across the series.

Starc surpasses Ashwin, Vaas in all-time wicket-takers list

"He was in total command of his batting this whole series, so really happy for him. He held our innings together yesterday and this morning, so hopefully he can take a lot of confidence out of that. We know how good he is. He's now putting up some really solid performances in Test cricket. Lots of cricket coming up, and hopefully he continues it on," Cummins said of Green.

The Bangladesh Tests marked the beginning of an intense period for Australia. The team faces up to 21 Tests in 12 months, including series against South Africa, New Zealand and India. Australia hopes to culminate this run in the World Test Championship final before a return Ashes showdown in England.