Tigers turn the script on Australia

Bangladesh produced a stunning turnaround in Darwin on Thursday, overturning the disappointment of their disastrous warm-up match to seize control of the opening day of the Test against Australia.
Just days after being bowled out for 54 by a Cricket Australia XI, the Tigers responded with a vastly different display, dismissing Australia for only 198 before reaching 96 for one at stumps.
The biggest difference was Bangladesh's bowling.
Hasan Mahmud delivered the performance of his Test career, claiming six wickets for 55 runs as Australia's much-vaunted batting order struggled to cope with disciplined seam bowling. His spell became the driving force behind one of Bangladesh's most impressive days in overseas Test cricket.
Australia appeared capable of building a substantial total when Steve Smith stood firm amid the early pressure. The experienced batter produced a determined 71, but Bangladesh repeatedly found ways to remove the players around him.
Once Smith was dismissed, Australia's innings quickly lost its remaining stability. Bangladesh's bowlers maintained pressure rather than allowing the hosts to rebuild, eventually completing the innings at 198.
It was a remarkable response from a bowling attack that had entered the Test under considerable scrutiny.
Bangladesh's own batting then provided another reason for optimism.
The visitors lost Shadman Islam for 20, but there was no repeat of the collapse that had haunted them in the warm-up. Tanzid Hasan and Mominul Haque settled into their roles and carried Bangladesh to 96 for one by the close.
Tanzid remained unbeaten on 32 while Mominul was 35 not out, with the pair putting together a valuable partnership that ensured Australia could not immediately regain the initiative.
Bangladesh still trail by 102 runs, but the position is dramatically better than many would have expected when the day began.
The Australians had entered the match with a formidable bowling attack featuring Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon. Yet Bangladesh's batters showed considerably greater composure than they had in the warm-up.
The transformation is perhaps the most encouraging aspect of the day.
The 54-run collapse in the practice match suggested Bangladesh might struggle to survive against Australia's attack. One day of Test cricket has not erased those concerns completely, but it has provided a powerful counterargument.
Bangladesh have shown that they can respond to adversity.
Now their challenge is to turn a brilliant opening day into a substantial first-innings advantage. If Tanzid and Mominul can extend their partnership on Friday and the middle order can provide support, the Tigers could put Australia under pressure on a surface that has already offered assistance to the seamers.
For now, however, Bangladesh can enjoy a rare feeling in Australia.
They arrived as underdogs. After one remarkable day, it is Australia who have the bigger problem to solve.