Australia's Test cricket summer began inauspiciously on Thursday as Bangladesh's bowlers ripped through the hosts' top order in Darwin, reducing them to 4-74 by lunch.
Pat Cummins' side opted to bat first at Marrara Stadium but lost four wickets during the opening session against the ninth-ranked Test nation. Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, and Cameron Green were all dismissed.
Green's departure on the stroke of lunch followed a slower delivery from Taskin Ahmed that produced a leading edge, resulting in a catch at mid-wicket. Green, who entered the match under scrutiny with a Test batting average of 32.75 across 37 appearances, had spoken about embracing greater responsibility. "I think I've always played better cricket when there's been a bit more responsibility (on me)," Green had stated before the Test. "That's certainly the case when I go back to play for WA. I think being 'the guy' - the guy they're trying to get out, and it's on you to score the runs for the team - that's always, I feel like, brought out the best in me."
Travis Head was out for 22 after hitting Hasan Mahmud for four, only for the bowler to adjust and dismiss him with an inside edge onto his leg stump. Marnus Labuschagne faced 20 balls for a minimal score before pushing at an Ebadot Hossain delivery and edging to second slip. Labuschagne had averaged 26.61 in his previous 20 Tests and had not scored a century in over 1,100 days.
Steve Smith was given two significant chances, being dropped on two runs and later surviving a Bangladesh review. Despite appearing to believe he had edged Hossain behind on seven, Snicko technology showed no spike, allowing Smith to continue batting.
Former Test opener Ed Cowan had previously cautioned that Australian batters struggling for form would face intense pressure against lower-ranked opposition. "If you're in the Australian Test team, and not performing regularly, there is just nowhere to hide," he said.