Bangladesh is on the cusp of a historic Test match victory against Australia in Darwin, holding a commanding position at the end of the third day. Australia concluded Saturday’s play at 161-4, still trailing the tourists by 67 runs, with Cameron Green unbeaten on 43 and Alex Carey on 19.
The visitors’ momentum was bolstered by spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who claimed the crucial wicket of Steve Smith. This breakthrough significantly dented Australia’s hopes of mounting a comfortable chase after Bangladesh had posted a formidable 426 in their first innings.
Seamer Hasan Mahmud set the tone for the Bangladesh bowling attack by dismissing both Australian openers early. Hasan, who previously recorded a career-best 6-55 in the first innings, bowled Jake Weatherald for a duck and Travis Head for 17, with both batters chopping the ball onto their stumps in identical fashion.
Marnus Labuschagne attempted to stabilize the innings, scoring 31 before he was bowled by a straight delivery from left-arm spinner Taijul Islam. Smith, often the anchor for the Australian side, batted with composure until he offered a leading edge to Mehidy, resulting in a simple return catch that left the hosts at 122-4.
Visiting captain Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed pride in his team’s performance, telling Fox Sports, “The way we showed character and the way we played for the last two or three days was outstanding.” He added that the squad remains focused on the process rather than the final outcome, taking the match session by session.
Bangladesh’s strong position was built on a resilient batting display. Despite being dismissed for 426 shortly after lunch, the tourists frustrated the Australian bowlers for 138 overs. Mehidy Hasan Miraz was instrumental, scoring a valuable half-century and shielding the tail-enders to extend the lead beyond 200 runs.
Josh Hazlewood was the standout performer for the Australian attack, claiming 6-89. During the innings, he reached a personal milestone of 300 Test wickets by dismissing Mehidy, and subsequently secured his 301st wicket when Ebadot Hossain was caught behind. Earlier, Hazlewood had removed Hasan for 14 and Taijul Islam for 17, the latter becoming his 299th victim.
The Australian fielding effort was notably lackluster, characterized by missed opportunities that allowed Bangladesh to thrive. Steve Smith dropped a straightforward chance from Taskin Ahmed in the deep, and Travis Head spilled a difficult pull shot from Mehidy shortly thereafter.
This performance marks a dramatic turnaround for Bangladesh, who were soundly beaten by a Cricket Australia XI in their warm-up match. Having bowled the hosts out for 198 on the first day, the visitors are now within striking distance of their first-ever Test win on Australian soil in three attempts.
Hasan, who took a career-best 6-55 in the first innings, bowled Jake Weatherald (0) and Travis Head (17) in identical fashion, both chopping on to their stumps.
Labuschagne, who has been out of form and seen his place in the team increasingly come into question, eased to 31 before playing over the top of a straight ball from left-arm spinner Taijul Islam and being bowled.
Smith, so often Australia’s saviour, batted sensibly but with the score on 122 he got a leading edge to off-spinner Mehidy and chipped it straight back to the bowler.
On a good batting strip, Marnus Labuschagne and Smith initially steadied the ship.
After Bangladesh were well beaten by a Cricket Australia XI in their only warm-up match, including being bowled out for 54 in the second innings, many expected this Test to be an easy Australia victory.
But the unfancied visitors bowled the hosts out for 198 on the first day and then showed great dedication with the bat to keep the home side in the field for 138 overs.
