**Title: Happy Cummins Praises Australia’s Response and Green’s Batting After Mackay Win**
Captain Pat Cummins expressed satisfaction with Australia’s performance in Mackay, highlighting the team’s resilience following a surprising defeat in Darwin. Australia rebounded from a nine-wicket loss in the series opener against Bangladesh, securing a decisive victory by an innings and 51 runs in the second Test, which concluded in just two days. This win ties the series at 1-1.
Cummins noted that the team needed to respond strongly after the unexpected setback in Darwin, where they faced one of the most significant upsets in Test cricket history. “We needed to bounce back and it was a great couple of days from the lads,” Cummins stated. He praised the team's sharpness and focus, contrasting their performance in Mackay with the previous match. The captain emphasized the importance of a strong start, saying, “If we get a really good first hour or two, we can set up the rest of the match.”
The victory was largely attributed to an outstanding opening spell by fast bowler Mitchell Starc, who delivered an impressive performance, taking 6 wickets for just 12 runs in the first innings. Bangladesh was bowled out for a mere 64 runs, setting the tone for Australia’s commanding win. Cummins acknowledged Starc's contribution, indicating that while such exceptional figures are not expected in every match, they were crucial in establishing control early on.
Cameron Green also received commendation from Cummins for his batting performance throughout the series. After facing scrutiny regarding his position in the team following a challenging Ashes series, Green responded with resilience, scoring a vital 67 runs in the second Test. This performance followed his century in Darwin, demonstrating his ability to contribute significantly to the team's efforts. “He looked in total command of his batting this whole series,” Cummins remarked. “So really happy for him. Again, he held our innings together yesterday and this morning. So hopefully, he can take a lot of confidence out of that.”
Cummins expressed optimism for Green’s future performances, recognizing his talent and potential to continue improving. The captain’s comments reflect a broader sentiment within the team regarding Green’s capabilities as an all-rounder, reinforcing his importance in the Test setup.
As the series moves forward, Australia will seek to build on this momentum and address any lingering doubts from their earlier defeat. The team’s ability to bounce back and perform under pressure will be crucial as they prepare for the next match. With strong performances from key players like Starc and Green, Australia aims to regain their footing and assert dominance in the series against Bangladesh.