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MELBOURNE, Aug 13 (Reuters) – Australia batsman Steve Smith scored a defiant half-century but Bangladesh’s depleted attack produced another four-wicket session to reduce the hosts to 183 for eight at tea on day one of the series-opening test in Darwin on Thursday.
- Paceman Hasan Mahmud dismissed tailenders Pat Cummins (9) and Mitchell Starc (1) in quick succession before the tea break, having removed both Australia’s openers in the morning.
- Seamer Ebadot Hossain grabbed a second wicket when wicketkeeper Alex Carey chopped onto his stumps to be out for 19, ending a 55-run partnership with Smith, who was 67 not out at the end of the session.
- Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed took his second wicket, bowling all-rounder Beau Webster for 12 with a peach of a delivery.
- Australia captain Cummins won the toss and elected to bat first on a grassy pitch on a hot morning in the Northern Territory capital. Australia were 74 for four at lunch.
- Australia’s under-pressure opener Jake Weatherald made a start but was caught in the slips for a nervous 23 with a loose drive in the morning session.
- Batting at number five, all-rounder Cameron Green, whose place in the team is also under scrutiny, was caught for 13 after hitting Taskin to short midwicket.
- Number three Marnus Labuschagne was caught for one off Ebadot.
- Bangladesh are playing their first test series in Australia since 2003. The second and final test of series is in Mackay, Queensland.
Reporting by Ian Ransom; Editing by Peter Rutherford.
