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Bangladesh opening bowler Hasan Mahmud was in superb form on the opening day of the first Test between Australia and Bangladesh in Darwin as he ripped through the Baggy Green batting line-up, returning figures of six for 55 from his 17 overs.
Playing in just his 15th Test and with a modest career average, the spell represented the best figures of his young Test career. But how do they compare with the great performances produced against Australia in the modern era?
Since 2000, Australia have been one of the most dominant Test cricket sides in world cricket, making outstanding bowling displays against them particularly memorable. Here are seven of the finest innings returns recorded against Australia this century.
1. Stuart Broad: 8 for 15, Trent Bridge, 2015
This remains the benchmark. Broad produced one of the most devastating spells in Test history during the Ashes at Trent Bridge, reducing Australia to 60 all out inside a session.
Swinging the ball late and relentlessly attacking the stumps, Broad claimed eight wickets for just 15 runs in 9.3 overs. It was not merely a great performance against Australia; it was one of the greatest fast bowling displays the game has ever seen.
2. Harbhajan Singh: 8 for 84, Chennai, 2001
Harbhajan’s spell came during the famous 2001 Border-Gavaskar series that changed Indian cricket history.
Bowling on a wearing Chennai surface, he dismantled a powerful Australia batting order that included Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh.
His off-spin, bounce and control were exceptional, and the performance helped India to secure a memorable victory.
Also read: Masterful milestones – the 7 highest Test scores against Australia down under since 2000
3. Anil Kumble: 8 for 141, Kolkata, 2004
Kumble’s figures were far more expensive than the others on this list, but they came in a marathon effort against a formidable Australian side. He bowled tirelessly across a huge innings, taking eight wickets through persistence, accuracy and subtle variation.
It was a classic Kumble performance, built on endurance as much as skill.
4. Ravindra Jadeja: 7 for 42, Delhi, 2023
Another Indian spinner, Jadeja was almost unplayable in Delhi during the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Exploiting turn and variable bounce, he ripped through Australia’s middle and lower order to finish with seven for 42.
The spell highlighted his transformation from a supporting spinner into one of the most complete bowlers in world cricket.
5. Rangana Herath: 7 for 64, Galle, 2016
Herath tormented Australia in Galle with a masterclass in left-arm spin. Using drift, dip and sharp turn, he repeatedly drew Australian batters into mistakes and finished with seven for 64.
The spell underlined why Herath became one of Sri Lanka’s greatest spin bowlers after Muttiah Muralitharan’s retirement.
6. Matt Henry: 7 for 67, Christchurch, 2024
Henry’s performance in Christchurch was a reminder that Australia can still be overwhelmed by high-quality seam bowling in helpful conditions.
Extracting movement off the pitch and through the air, he removed several key batters and kept New Zealand competitive throughout the innings. It was one of the best fast-bowling performances by a New Zealander against Australia in modern times.
7. Shamar Joseph: 7 for 68, Brisbane, 2024
Joseph’s spell at the Gabba was extraordinary for both its quality and its context.
Playing with a painful toe injury, the young West Indian quick produced a spell of pace, aggression and heart to bowl Australia out and secure a famous West Indies victory.
The performance instantly became part of Caribbean cricket folklore.
Where does Hasan Mahmud fit in?
Hasan Mahmud’s six for 55 does not yet displace any of the seven performances above, but it belongs in the conversation. Compared with Broad’s 8 for 15 or Harbhajan’s 8 for 84, it falls short in scale and historical impact.
Yet for a bowler with limited Test experience to take six wickets against Australia on Australian soil is a significant achievement – notably each of the top six best returns were achieved with Australia playing away from home.
What makes Hasan’s effort stand out is the stage. Australia rarely lose early wickets in home conditions, and visiting seamers often struggle for sustained success there.
His six for 55 is already among the best bowling figures by a Bangladeshi bowler against Australia and offers a glimpse of what he might achieve as his career develops.
Read next: A tale of two timelines – Bangladesh’s golden dawn and Australia’s creaking sunset
The post How good was Hasan Mahmud? The 7 best Test bowling performances against Australia this century appeared first on Cricket365.
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