Australia were bowled out for just 198 on the opening day of the first Test against Bangladesh in Darwin, with Steve Smith’s battling half-century preventing the visitors from gaining an even bigger advantage. The former Australia captain top-scored with a patient 71 off 109 deliveries, while the rest of the batting lineup struggled against Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling attack.
Smith’s innings, however, could have ended much earlier after he survived a controversial caught-behind decision when he was on just seven runs. Bangladesh pacer Ebadot Hossain was convinced he had found the edge and appealed confidently. Smith appeared ready to walk back to the pavilion, but on-field umpire Kumar Dharmasena initially turned down the appeal.
The decision was subsequently reviewed, with Real Time Snicko (RTS) failing to provide conclusive evidence of an edge. Steve Smith was therefore allowed to continue his innings, and the Australian batter later admitted he may have been fortunate to survive the incident. “I was lucky? Yeah, it seems that way. You got to take it sometimes,” Smith said when asked about the decision.
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Steve Smith also revealed that he had felt something at the time of the delivery, although he was unsure whether the ball had actually made contact with his bat. Despite the unusual outcome, he maintained that he generally trusts the technology used in cricket.
“Normally it’s pretty good. Maybe I didn’t nick it. I don’t know, but I certainly felt something. If I’d been given out, I was going to walk off. But, yeah, technology saved me today, I guess,” he said.
“The only time an Australian ever walks is when his car runs out of petrol.”
— Barry Richards— Cricketologist (@AMP86793444) August 13, 2026
Smith eventually struck seven fours and a six during his 71-run knock, but Australia’s batting collapse continued around him. Bangladesh fast bowler Hasan Mahmud was the standout performer, finishing with impressive figures of 6/55 from 17 overs.
Jake Weatherald’s 23 was Australia’s second-highest score, underlining the struggles faced by the top order. Bangladesh responded positively in their first innings, reaching 96/1 after 24 overs and putting themselves in a strong position.
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Steve Smith said batting at the top of the order has become particularly challenging in Australian conditions, where the ball has been moving significantly off the surface. “The ball’s seaming significantly. It’s extremely tricky and you need some luck definitely as a top-order batter,” Smith explained.
He added that similar difficulties could be seen in New Zealand and South Africa, particularly with the Kookaburra ball. For Australia, the opening-day collapse highlighted just how demanding the current conditions are for top-order batters.
