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Darwin: Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed grabbed attention on the opening day of the first Test against Australiabut it was not only his bowling that caught the eye. After dismissing all-rounder Cameron Green, Taskin produced an unusual celebration that quickly went viral on social media.

The incident took place during the first Test of the two-match series at the Top End in Darwin on Thursday, August 13. Green, who had looked reasonably comfortable on a tricky surface, attempted to flick a length delivery from Taskin towards the leg side. However, he failed to make proper contact and the ball went towards mid-wicket, where veteran Bangladesh cricketer Mushfiqur Rahim completed a good catch.

Taskin immediately broke into a small dance, sticking his tongue out as his Bangladesh teammates moved towards Rahim to celebrate the important wicket. The unusual reaction quickly became one of the most talked-about moments from the opening session. Cricket Australia also shared a video of the celebration on social media, describing it as one of Taskin’s memorable celebrations.

Taskin Ahmed’s celebration steals the spotlight

Taskin Ahmed has built a reputation as one of Bangladesh’s leading fast bowlers, and his dismissal of Green came at an important stage of the Australian innings.

Green had scored 13 runs from 13 deliveries before his dismissal. He tried to work Taskin’s delivery towards the leg side but miscued the shot, allowing Mushfiqur to take the catch at mid-wicket.

Instead of simply joining the celebrations with his teammates, Taskin performed a brief dance and stuck out his tongue. The spontaneous reaction immediately attracted attention online, with the video circulating widely among cricket fans.

The celebration also added some light-hearted entertainment to a session in which Bangladesh’s fast bowlers had otherwise been highly disciplined.

Bangladesh pacers trouble Australia

The bigger story from the opening morning was Bangladesh’s impressive use of the conditions in Darwin.

Australia captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat first. Australia initially appeared to be in control, reaching 45 without losing a wicket.

However, Bangladesh’s pace attack soon changed the momentum.

Hasan Mahmud struck twice in successive overs to remove Jake Weatherald and Travis Head. Weatherald, playing in front of a home crowd in Darwin, made 23 from 37 deliveries before attempting a loose shot against Hasan.

His dismissal was followed quickly by the wicket of Travis Head. Head, who is one of Australia’s most dangerous attacking batters, chopped a delivery back onto his stumps and departed for 22.

Australia consequently slipped from 45 without loss to 52 for 2.

Bangladesh then added another major wicket when Ebadot Hossain dismissed Marnus Labuschagne. The Australian batter was caught by Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto.

Ebadot also came close to claiming the wicket of Steve Smith, but Bangladesh missed an opportunity at third slip.

Green’s dismissal immediately before lunch completed an excellent opening session for Bangladesh, leaving Australia struggling at 74 for 4.

Green fails to capitalise on promising start

For Australia, Green’s dismissal was particularly disappointing because Bangladesh’s bowlers had already created significant pressure.

The all-rounder had faced only 13 deliveries and scored 13 runs before Taskin and Mushfiqur combined to remove him. His wicket left Australia four down before the first interval.

Meanwhile, Steve Smith remained unbeaten on seven at the first interval.

The conditions in Darwin appeared to offer enough assistance to the Bangladesh pacers, particularly with the green-tinged pitch providing movement and the bowlers maintaining disciplined lines.

Australia’s top order therefore found it difficult to build a substantial partnership despite making a confident start.

Australia begins a busy Test schedule

The Bangladesh series is also significant for Australia because it begins an exceptionally demanding 12-month Test programme.

The two-match Top End series is set to be followed by a packed schedule that includes Test assignments against South Africa, India and England. Australia is expected to play as many as 20 Tests during the period, making the Bangladesh series an important opportunity for players to establish rhythm and manage workloads.

Cummins’ return is another important storyline. The Australian captain was playing only his second Test in 13 months. He was reunited with fellow fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, while Nathan Lyon provided the frontline spin option.

The combination gives Australia a formidable bowling attack, but Bangladesh’s early performance showed that the visitors were capable of making the most of favourable conditions.

A memorable moment for Taskin

While the match itself remains the bigger concern for both teams, Taskin’s celebration has provided one of the lighter moments of the opening day.

His dismissal of Green was important because it prevented Australia from recovering after Bangladesh had already removed three top-order batters. The unusual celebration then ensured that the wicket received even more attention.

For Bangladesh, the opening session offered plenty of encouragement. Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain exploited the conditions effectively, while Mushfiqur Rahim’s catch completed Taskin’s dismissal of Green.

With Australia reduced to 74 for 4, Bangladesh had made a strong early statement in its first Test in Australia since 2003. The visitors will now hope their bowlers can maintain the pressure and convert their promising start into a significant advantage in the match.