Shoriful makes rare record with bat, then sparks Bangladesh fightback with the ball
Shoriful Islam made an unwanted slice of Test history on his return to Bangladesh’s XI, becoming the first No.11 batter to top score in an innings of a Test match against Australia before leading Bangladesh’s fightback with the ball.
Bangladesh were bowled out for just 64 in 34 overs in the first innings of the second Test at Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay on Saturday.
Shoriful remained unbeaten on 14, the highest score by a No. 11 batter for Bangladesh against Australia in Test cricket.
It was also only the 13th instance in Test history of a No. 11 finishing as his team’s top scorer in an innings.
Taijul Islam, batting at No. 9, was Bangladesh’s second-highest scorer with 12.
Shoriful is the second-ever No.11 batter to top score in an innings for Bangladesh in Tests after Tajha Jubair.
Talha, who is Bangladesh team's fast bowling coach for the Australia series, had scored 31 from No. 11 against India in the 2004 Chattogram Test, when Bangladesh were dismissed for 124.
Bangladesh’s 64 was their fourth-lowest total in Test cricket. They were at risk of folding for their lowest team total in Tests after losing their ninth wicket for 39 runs.
A 25-run stand for the final wicket between Shoriful and Taijul averted that ignominy.
That stand helped Bangladesh avoid their three lowest totals: 43 against West Indies in 2018, 53 against South Africa in 2022 and 62 against Sri Lanka in 2007.
Shoriful then made a bright start with the ball, picking up two wickets in his first over of the match as Bangladesh pegged back Australia to 50-3 at Tea.
Shoriful also broke the 77-run fourth wicket stand between Steve Smith and Cameron Green by getting the former trapped LBW for 42.
He then struck thrice in space of five deliveries, removing Beau Webster (0), Pat Cummins (0) and Mitchell Starc (one) to complete a six-wicket haul.
Earlier in the day, Starc was the chief destroyer, taking six wickets for just 12 runs from 10 overs, including six maidens.
The left-arm quick produced a devastating spell, claiming five wickets in just 22 balls with the new ball as Australia ripped through Bangladesh’s batting lineup.