Josh Hazlewood Left Frustrated After Collision With Taskin Costs Him Wicket

Josh Hazlewood was left frustrated after a bizarre on-field collision with Bangladesh batter Taskin Ahmed denied the Australian pacer a possible return catch during the second Test in Mackay on Saturday. The incident occurred during Bangladesh’s dramatic first-innings collapse, with the visitors already struggling at 38 for eight when Hazlewood delivered a short ball to Taskin.

Taskin attempted to pull the delivery but only managed to produce a top edge that went almost straight up into the air. Hazlewood immediately moved forward from his follow-through and positioned himself to take what appeared to be a straightforward return catch. At the same time, Taskin began running from his crease, and the two players ended up crossing paths as they both moved towards the descending ball.

The collision prevented Hazlewood from getting underneath the ball, which fell safely nearby. The Australian bowler appeared visibly unhappy with what had happened and looked towards the square-leg umpire, seemingly seeking clarification about Taskin’s movement. Australia captain Pat Cummins also approached bowler’s-end umpire Nitin Menon to discuss the incident, but the officials allowed play to continue.

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The missed opportunity was particularly frustrating for Hazlewood because Australia were already close to completing a remarkable bowling performance. Shortly before the collision, Hazlewood had dismissed Hasan Mahmud for 10, reducing Bangladesh to 38 for eight. Nathan Lyon completed the catch, and Australia appeared on course to wrap up the innings quickly.

Taskin's reprieve proved extremely brief. In the following passage of play, another short delivery prompted the Bangladesh fast bowler to attempt an attacking shot. This time, the ball went into the air and Matt Renshaw completed the catch, dismissing Taskin for one and leaving Bangladesh at 39 for nine. The wicket effectively ended any immediate resistance from the visitors.

Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for just 64 in 34 overs, completing a stunning collapse after earlier being in a much stronger position in the match. Mitchell Starc was the chief destroyer with six wickets for 12 runs from 10 overs, while Cummins claimed two wickets and Hazlewood finished with one. Despite missing the unusual chance involving Taskin, Hazlewood remained part of an Australian bowling attack that dismantled Bangladesh's batting order in emphatic fashion.

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