Shoriful keeps Tigers believing

Bangladesh may have endured a disastrous start in Mackay, but Shoriful Islam believes the second Test is still firmly within reach.

The Tigers were bowled out for just 64 before Shoriful produced a remarkable response with the ball, claiming 6 for 35 as Australia slipped to 165 for eight by the close. The hosts still lead by 101 runs, but Bangladesh's late fightback has prevented the game from slipping completely beyond their reach.

"The game is far from over," Shoriful said.

The left-arm seamer knows Bangladesh have plenty of work ahead of them, particularly after their batting collapsed under Australia's new-ball pressure. But the mood inside the dressing room has not been allowed to sink with the scoreboard.

"We are still well in the game. InshaAllah, we will try to make sure the entire second innings belongs to us," Shoriful added.

That confidence comes largely from the way Bangladesh fought back with the ball.

Australia had the perfect opportunity to turn the Tigers' first-innings failure into a commanding advantage.

Instead, Shoriful repeatedly broke through their batting line-up and prevented the hosts from establishing the kind of lead that could have effectively taken Bangladesh out of the contest.

Steve Smith's 42 gave Australia stability for a period, while Cameron Green remained unbeaten on 51 at the end of the day. But Bangladesh kept finding ways to interrupt Australia's progress.

Shoriful's six-wicket haul was the standout individual performance of the day. It was also his best return in Test cricket, coming immediately after his return to the side following a hamstring problem.

Yet the pacer was more interested in what Bangladesh could still achieve than in his personal figures.

"I will feel happiest if we win the match," Shoriful said.

That statement perhaps explains Bangladesh's approach heading into the second day.

The immediate target is to finish Australia's innings quickly. After that, the responsibility will move to the batsmen, who must produce a completely different performance from the one that ended with Bangladesh stranded on 64.

The conditions have already shown that batting will require patience and discipline. Australia have the advantage, but Bangladesh have also demonstrated that their bowlers can create pressure when given an opportunity.

The Tigers now need their batsmen to give those bowlers something to defend.

The first innings was a collapse.

The second could become the beginning of a fightback.