Mitchell Starc came up with a fiery spell in the second Test against Bangladesh in Mackay as Australia responded strongly after their shocking defeat in Darwin.
The Australian left-arm pacer completed his five-wicket haul in just 22 balls and completely destroyed Bangladesh’s top order. Starc was at his best with the new ball, getting swing, bounce and movement from the Mackay surface.
Bangladesh had stunned Australia with a nine-wicket victory in the first Test in Darwin. It was Bangladesh’s first Test victory on Australian soil and one of the biggest wins in their cricket history.
Australia were badly hurt by that defeat, and their response in Mackay was always going to be interesting. Starc made sure it came right from the first ball.
Mitchell Starc Five-Wicket Haul Destroys Bangladesh
Starc did not even need time to settle into his spell.
He struck with the very first delivery of the Test, removing Shadman Islam. It was the start of a remarkable collapse for Bangladesh.
Tanzid Hasan Tamim was Starc’s next victim before Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was trapped lbw for a golden duck.
Mominul Haque was another of Starc’s victims before Litton Das became his fifth.
Starc needed only 22 balls to complete his five-wicket haul.
Bangladesh were reduced to 12/5 inside seven overs and found themselves in serious trouble early in the first session.
The difference between the conditions in Darwin and Mackay was also clearly visible. There was much more assistance for the fast bowlers in Mackay, with extra bounce and movement available with the new ball.
And when you give Starc these conditions, especially with a fresh ball in his hand, things can become very difficult for any batting line-up.
Starc Creates History With First Ball of Mackay Test
There was another special record behind Starc’s opening wicket.
By dismissing Shadman Islam with the first delivery of the match, Starc became the first bowler in Test cricket history to take a wicket with the first ball of a Test match on four occasions.
It also continued his incredible habit of striking immediately with the new ball.
This was the ninth time Starc had taken a wicket in the first over of a Test match, moving him past former England great James Anderson, who had done it eight times.
For a fast bowler, especially someone who has played Test cricket for so long, this ability to attack a batter from ball one remains one of Starc’s biggest strengths.
22-Ball Five-For, But Starc Has Done It Even Faster
The most unbelievable part is that this was not even the fastest five-wicket haul of Starc’s Test career.
His five wickets in 22 balls against Bangladesh rank among the fastest five-fors in Test cricket, but Starc already owns the world record.
In his 100th Test against West Indies at Kingston in 2025, Starc completed a five-wicket haul in only 15 balls.
That remains the fastest five-for in Test history.
So, in the space of little more than a year, Starc has produced two of the quickest five-wicket bursts the format has seen.
At 36, the Australian quick is still capable of producing spells that can almost decide an innings within a few overs.
22 balls, five wickets, one Mitchell Starc #AUSvBAN
Catch up on a stunning start: https://t.co/drrfqp5tb0 pic.twitter.com/JLTQq5EZO9
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) August 22, 2026
19th Test Five-Wicket Haul for Mitchell Starc
The Mackay performance was the 19th five-wicket haul of Mitchell Starc’s Test career.
The numbers become even more impressive when we consider his longevity.
Starc is already the most successful left-arm fast bowler in Test cricket history in terms of wickets. His ability to strike with the new ball remains a major reason behind that success.
Even after more than 100 Tests, his combination of pace, swing and left-arm angle remains difficult for batters to handle when conditions offer assistance.
Bangladesh Had No Answer to Starc’s New-Ball Spell
There was a clear plan from Starc.
He kept the ball full enough to bring the stumps and outside edge into play, while the natural bounce of the Mackay pitch created another problem for the Bangladesh batters.
The left-arm angle, late movement and Starc’s pace proved too much for the visitors.
Bangladesh had shown great patience and discipline during their historic victory in Darwin. However, Mackay presented a completely different challenge.
The visitors suddenly found themselves dealing with conditions far more suitable for Australia’s fast-bowling attack.
Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood also maintained the pressure, giving Bangladesh very little opportunity to settle.
MITCHELL STARC HAS TAKEN 5 WICKETS IN JUST 22 BALLS 🥶
1st over – W,0,4,0,0,0
2nd over – W,W,0,0,0,0
3rd over – 0,0,0,0,W,0
4th over – 0,0,0,W,0,0One of the Greatest in the Modern Era doing the magic vs Bangladesh.#Ausvsban
Image Credit: Jiostar pic.twitter.com/AkMnAR9F2k
— CricInformer (@CricInformer) August 22, 2026
Australia Respond After Historic Darwin Defeat
The context makes Starc’s spell even more important.
Australia entered this match after one of their most surprising home defeats in recent history. Bangladesh had beaten them by nine wickets in Darwin to take a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series.
Bangladesh thoroughly deserved that victory, but a response from Australia in the second Test was always expected.
Starc provided exactly that.
Australia captain Pat Cummins elected to bowl first after winning the toss, and the decision immediately paid off.
Within a few overs, Bangladesh’s confidence from Darwin had taken a serious hit and Australia were completely on top.
Mitchell Starc Once Again Shows Why He Is So Dangerous
Starc has produced plenty of destructive spells during his long international career, but this one was special because of how quickly the damage was done.
Five wickets in 22 balls can change the direction of a Test match before the batting team even gets a chance to settle.
Bangladesh came into Mackay with confidence after creating history in Darwin. However, they ran into Mitchell Starc at his best.
The Mitchell Starc five-wicket haul was his 19th in Test cricket and came in only 22 deliveries, while his first-ball strike and first-over record added another chapter to his remarkable career.
Australia wanted a strong response after Darwin. Starc gave them exactly that with the very first ball of the Mackay Test.