We are still well in the game, says Shoriful Islam after Bangladesh's Day 1 batting collapse in Mackay Test

Bangladesh endured a disastrous opening day at the Mackay Test, collapsing to just 64 all out as Australia seized control with 165 for 8 at stumps. The dramatic day saw an extraordinary 18-wicket collapse across both innings, with Mitchell Starc claiming 6 for 12 and Shoriful Islam taking 6 for 35 in a remarkable turn of events that left the visitors in a precarious position. Australia's lead stood at 101 runs after the first day of play.

Shoriful Islam, returning to the side after recovering from a side strain that forced him to miss the first Test, was the standout performer with the ball despite Bangladesh's batting failure. The 25-year-old fast bowler struck at crucial moments, dismissing Travis Head, Beau Webster, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc among his six victims. His spell sparked a collapse in which Australia lost five wickets for 30 runs in 7.3 overs, keeping Bangladesh competitive despite their own batting struggles. The performance was particularly significant given that Bangladesh had won the series opener in Darwin, marking their first Test victory in Australia.

"The message in the dressing room was that the game is far from over and our turn to bowl is coming up," Shoriful was quoted as saying by The Daily Star after the day's play.

“We are still well in the game. InshaAllah, we will try to make sure the entire second innings belongs to us," he added.

Shoriful's bowling performance provided crucial momentum for Bangladesh despite the batting collapse. The fast bowler reflected on his achievement while maintaining perspective about what truly matters in Test cricket. His five-wicket haul was a personal milestone, but he remained focused on the team's ultimate objective.

"Alhamdulillah, everyone feels good getting their first five-for. But I’ll feel best if we win the match, because we lost that previous one. I’m not overthinking or excessively celebrating just because I got five wickets. If we win the match, I'll be very happy.

Shoriful's bowling performance provided crucial momentum for Bangladesh despite the batting collapse. The fast bowler explained the conditions that aided his spell and reflected on the team's path forward in the match. He acknowledged Australia's own struggles with the bat while emphasising Bangladesh's determination to recover in their second innings.

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"We were bowling from that end where the wind was against us, which helped the ball swing a bit more," Shoriful said.

"It was just a bad day for us. Not just for us. Look at them, they are struggling too. Insha'Allah, we will bounce back strongly in the next innings," he signed off.