Shoriful's plan pays off in stunning comeback

Shoriful Islam's stunning comeback from injury turned a day of Australian dominance into one Bangladesh can still take heart from, with the left-arm pacer claiming 6-35 in Mackay on Saturday.

Returning after a hamstring injury ruled him out of the first Test, Shoriful produced the finest bowling performance of his Test career, accounting for six of Australia's eight wickets after the hosts had bowled Bangladesh out for 64.

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The 25-year-old struck twice in his first over, removing Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne in five balls to leave Australia wobbling at 41 for three.

Steven Smith and Cameron Green then steadied the innings with a 77-run partnership, but Shoriful broke it by trapping Smith lbw for 42. Mehidy Hasan Miraz soon removed Alex Carey for five, leaving Australia's lower order exposed.

Shoriful took full advantage, claiming three wickets in five balls in the final hour. Beau Webster was trapped lbw for a golden duck, Pat Cummins gloved a short ball to Litton Das for a duck, and Mitchell Starc was clean bowled for one.

Cameron Green's unbeaten 51, featuring a series of authoritative pull shots, carried Australia to 165 for eight at stumps, with Nathan Lyon on 10. Australia lead by 101 runs.

Shoriful said his maiden five-for was the result of work done in practice.

“My first five-fer today. That’s what I did in practice. I wanted to settle in the match,” he told Fox Cricket.

“Thirty overs it is still moving (the ball), that’s help for us fast bowlers.”

The Cummins wicket was a particularly sweet act of revenge by the 25-year-old.

“It felt great because he bounced me and hit my shoulder,” Shoriful said with a laugh.

His display was all the more remarkable given that he had earlier top-scored for Bangladesh with 14 batting at No. 11. He became the first Test cricketer to both top-score for his team from No. 11 and take the most wickets in the opposition's innings.

After Starc's 6-12 had put Bangladesh on the brink, Shoriful ensured the Tigers were not buried on the opening day.