Tempers flared late on Day 2 of the first Test between Australia and Bangladesh in Darwin as Mitchell Starc and Mehidy Hasan Miraz became involved in a heated verbal exchange.
The incident came during the 103rd over of Bangladesh's innings, with Mehidy and Hasan Mahmud attempting to see out the day after Australia had finally made inroads with the second new ball.
With Bangladesh firmly in control of the Test, the tension boiled over after a near collision between the two players.
What Happened Between Starc and Mehidy?
Starc was bowling his 21st over when Mehidy struck the fifth delivery towards point and immediately set off for a single.
As Mehidy ran towards the non-striker's end, he was watching the ball rather than the bowler and almost collided with Starc, who was completing his follow-through.
Mehidy moved across the pitch's danger area to avoid the Australian fast bowler.
The incident drew the attention of umpire Kumar Dharmasena, who approached Mehidy and appeared to warn him about running through the protected area of the pitch.
Mehidy explained that he had not seen Starc in his path.
“I can't see, I can't see. I didn't see,” Mehidy told Dharmasena.
Starc then approached Mehidy and made his feelings clear.
“It’s my follow-through, now your follow-through. Get off the wicket,” Starc was heard saying.
As he walked back to his bowling mark, Starc added another pointed remark:
“You’re not in Bangladesh now, hey?”
The exchange quickly became one of the talking points from an otherwise dominant day for Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Firmly in Control in Darwin
The confrontation came at a particularly interesting moment in the match.
Bangladesh had spent almost the entire second day in control after bowling Australia out for 198 on the opening day.
Tanzid Hasan produced the standout performance with his maiden Test century, scoring 101 from 197 deliveries.
Najmul Hossain Shanto added 84, while Mominul Haque made 49 as Bangladesh repeatedly frustrated Australia's bowling attack.
At stumps, Bangladesh were 351 for 6, giving them a commanding 153-run lead.
Mehidy was unbeaten on 32, while Hasan Mahmud was not out on 13.
The pair had already survived more than 24 overs together after Australia briefly threatened to fight back with the second new ball.
Starc and Australia Finally Fight Back
The timing of the Starc-Mehidy incident was significant because Australia had finally found some success after a long day of frustration.
The second new ball produced three wickets in a short period.
Josh Hazlewood removed Shanto for 84, Starc then dismissed Litton Das for a duck, and Pat Cummins followed by getting Mushfiqur Rahim to edge behind.
Steven Smith took all three catches at second slip.
For a brief period, Australia appeared capable of running through Bangladesh's lower order.
Mehidy and Hasan Mahmud had other ideas.
Their stubborn partnership ensured Bangladesh finished the day in a position of considerable strength.
Was Mehidy at Fault?
The incident is likely to generate debate because there appears to have been fault on both sides.
From Starc's perspective, a batter running through the protected area of the pitch can potentially damage the surface and interfere with a bowler's follow-through.
Mehidy, however, appeared to be focused on completing the run and avoiding a collision. His explanation that he could not see Starc is also understandable given that he was watching where the ball had gone.
There is an important distinction between deliberately running through the danger area and doing so while trying to avoid another player.
The footage suggests the near collision was largely accidental rather than an attempt by Mehidy to gain an advantage.
Starc's 'You're Not in Bangladesh Now' Remark
Starc's comment about Mehidy not being in Bangladesh added another layer to the confrontation.
The remark appeared to be a reference to the standards expected while playing in Australia and reinforced the competitive edge of the exchange.
Starc is one of international cricket's most aggressive competitors, and verbal battles have long been part of the Australian fast bowler's approach.
Mehidy, meanwhile, did not appear intimidated and continued batting after the exchange.
The incident ultimately had little effect on Bangladesh's concentration.
Bangladesh's Remarkable Day Continues
The verbal confrontation was almost a footnote compared with Bangladesh's overall performance.
Tanzid's century was the centrepiece of an excellent batting display, but the visitors' success came from contributions throughout the order.
Mominul's 49 helped establish the first major partnership, Shanto's 84 maintained the momentum and Mehidy's unbeaten 32 ensured Australia could not capitalise fully on their late burst of wickets.
Bangladesh now have the opportunity to turn their first-innings advantage into a match-winning position.
Australia, meanwhile, need to take the remaining four wickets as quickly as possible on Day 3.
A Test Suddenly Turning Spicy
The Starc-Mehidy confrontation has added some spice to a Test that has already produced plenty of drama.
Australia's batting collapse, Hasan Mahmud's six-wicket haul, Steve Smith's controversial DRS reprieve and Tanzid Hasan's maiden Test century have all contributed to an absorbing contest.
Now there is another subplot involving two players who are likely to remain central to the action on Day 3.
Bangladesh will resume on 351 for 6, holding a 153-run lead.
With Mehidy still at the crease and Australia desperate for early wickets, there could be plenty more intensity when the two sides return to the field.
The first Test may have already delivered its share of drama — but with Bangladesh firmly in control, the Starc-Mehidy exchange could be just the beginning.
