Australia won the toss and chose to bat first at Marrara Stadium in Darwin on August 13, 2026, in the opening Test between the two nations. Test cricket had returned to Darwin for the first time in 22 years, while Bangladesh had not visited Australia for a Test series in 23 years. The surface showed about 4mm of grass with some moisture present, and captain Pat Cummins believed the conditions favoured bowling early in the match. However, Australia's batting lineup struggled against Bangladesh's fast bowling attack, collapsing to 198 all out on the first evening.
Steve Smith made 71 off 109 balls, striking seven fours and a six during his innings. His contribution came during a fifth-wicket partnership with Alex Carey that added 55 runs together. Smith's knock proved significant given the collapse around him, though his dismissal review became the focal point of the day's play. Smith appeared to take a walk towards the pavilion after Ebadot Hossain and wicketkeeper Litton Das went up in unison with teammates, but the original decision was not out. On review, Snicko showed no edge, and Smith survived the contentious moment.
Smith acknowledged the role of technology in his reprieve during the opening session. He reflected on the uncertainty of the moment and the role of the review system in his survival.
"I think so, yeah. Was I lucky. It seems so, yeah. You've got to take it sometimes. Maybe I didn't nick it. I certainly felt something. If I was given out I was going to walk off. Technology saved me today I guess," said Smith in the press conference.
Bangladesh's dominant bowling performance
Bangladesh's bowling performance dominated the day, with their fast bowlers taking control from the opening session. Hasan Mahmud claimed 6 for 55, the third-best figures by a Bangladesh quick in Test cricket history. Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain each took two wickets, marking only the second instance of Bangladesh fast bowlers claiming all ten wickets in a Test innings. The previous occasion came during the second Test in Rawalpindi in 2024. Bangladesh fielded this attack without fast bowlers Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam, who were unavailable for the match.
"I'll go back to yesterday, the guys thought the wicket was rock hard. When we turned up this morning it was a bit tacky, I think just from the dew potentially. It will be interesting to see tomorrow morning if it is the same. It definitely hardened up as the day went on but ... if it softens up I think it will be tricky to bat again," said Smith.
"(It was) tricky initially. The wicket was a bit tacky and the ball was seaming quite significantly. I thought they bowled pretty well this morning. It was challenging," he added.