On August 14, 2026, on Day 2 of Australia’s first Test match against Bangladesh in Darwin, Mitchell Starc and Mehidy Hasan Miraz got into a heated argument that attracted attention due to the intensity of the occasion on the pitch. Starc delivered his 21st over in the 103rd over of Bangladesh’s innings when the altercation took place. Mehidy Hasan attempted a single as soon as he hit the delivery toward point, but things got out of hand as he seemed to sprint thru the pitch’s protected area.
Starc complained to Mehidy Hasan line of running, and umpire Kumar Dharmasena issued a warning. Throughout the action, both players made their positions apparent in a quick interchange. The two rivals’ future relationship was not, however, defined by the occurrence. This is not your follow-through; it’s mine. During the heated exchange, Starc screamed, “Get off the wicket.” In response, Mehidy Hasan said he had not seen Starc in his path and could not see him while he was watching the ball.
Mehidy Hasan and Starc work out their differences
Following Day 3 of the game on Saturday morning, August 15, Starc went up to Mehidy Hasan to discuss what had happened the day before. Both players acknowledged their involvement in the heated moment, and the Australian fast bowler’s gesture signalled a clear reconciliation between them. Later on, Mehidy Hasan shared his thoughts on the event and the discussion that followed.
Bangladesh’s dominant position during the game
Bangladesh had established a commanding position in the competitive encounter. Day 1 saw Bangladesh score 426 runs in their first innings to take a 228-run lead, while Australia was knocked out for 198. Australia reached 161 for 4 wickets in their second innings before the close of Day 3, making the match well matched.
Bangladesh’s 228-run first-innings lead over Australia was a noteworthy accomplishment. Australia has only given up a first-innings lead of more than 150 runs to Bangladesh twice before, the first instance being in 2006 when Bangladesh had a 158-run lead.
