Australia captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat first in the series-opening test against Bangladesh in Darwin. Bangladesh's depleted pace attack, featuring Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, and Ebadot Hossain, routed the world's top-ranked side's top order to leave the hosts at 74 for four at lunch. While Steve Smith scored a defiant half-century, the hosts were reduced to 183 for eight by tea.
Hasan Mahmud claimed a career-best six wickets as Bangladesh skittled Australia for 198, their lowest total against the visitors. Bangladesh then took command, moving to stumps on the first day at 96 for one in their first taste of test cricket in Australia in 23 years.
On the second day, opener Tanzid Hasan dominated the hosts in his second test. He scored his maiden half-century to help Bangladesh reach 181 for two at lunch, trimming the first-innings lead to 17 runs. Hasan continued his performance to score his maiden century, becoming the first Bangladesh cricketer to score a test century in Australia.
Bangladesh reached 286 for three at tea, taking an 88-run first-innings lead. The South Asian side continued to dominate the stunned hosts, closing day two at 351 for six to carve out a first-innings lead of 153 runs.