Starc's double-strike helps Australia tighten grip in 2nd test against Bangladesh

MACKAY, Australia (AP) — Fresh from taking six wickets in the first innings, Australia’s Mitchell Starc’s again tormented Bangladesh’s top order as the tourists were reduced to 39-3 at lunch in its second innings on Day 2 of a fast-moving second cricket test.

The evergreen left-arm bowler claimed an incredible 6-12 on Day 1 and backed up again Sunday morning with another two wickets in consecutive balls to help Australia take a solid grip of the match in Mackay, in northern Queensland state.

At the break, Bangladesh trails Australia by 107 runs with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto unbeaten on 23 and Mushfiqur Rahim on four.

After surviving Starc’s first over of the innings, Bangladesh were not as fortunate in the Aussie’s next over as Shadman Islam (1) edged a catch to Marnus Labuschagne, before Mominul Haque (0) shouldered arms and has his off stump rattled with Starc’s next delivery.

Pat Cummins also grabbed a wicket, having Tanzid Hasan (9) caught on the boundary.

Earlier, Australia resumed at 165-8 with Cameron Green and Nathan Lyon adding another 28 useful runs Sunday for the ninth wicket.

After also taking six wickets on a wild opening day, Shoriful Islam soon picked up his seventh with a searing inswinging yorker which struck Green on the front foot and was given out leg before wicket on review.

Shoriful’s 7-48 was the best bowling figures for a Bangladesh player away from home.

Green’s 67 off 105 balls with 10 boundaries was the top score of the match so far and follows his breakthrough home century in the first test at Darwin.

Lyon and Josh Hazlewood then pushed Australia’s score past 200 before Hazelwood skied a catch off Taijul Islam (1-17) to end the innings at 210, and a first innings lead of 146 runs.

Australia are looking to level the two-match series after a shock loss in last week’s first test which Bangladesh claimed by nine wickets.

The two-test “Top End” series starts a heavy 12-month schedule for the Australians that will feature 20 test matches, including tours to South Africa, India and England.

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