Bangladesh tightened their grip on the first Test against Australia on a baking hot day in Darwin, posting a commanding 228-run first-innings lead before reducing the hosts to 161 for 4 by stumps. The visitors remain firmly on course for what would be a historic first Test victory on Australian soil.
Bangladesh extend the lead
Resuming on 351 for 6 (already 153 ahead after bowling Australia out for 198), Bangladesh’s lower order showed resilience and patience. All-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz led the way with a gritty 65, carefully shepherding the tail and frustrating Australia’s attack on a surface that continued to offer little assistance to the bowlers.
Australia’s fielding woes continued early in the day. In the same over from captain Pat Cummins, Steve Smith dropped a regulation chance at deep backward square leg (denying him a potential record 219th Test catch) and Travis Head put down a tougher one-handed opportunity that would have removed Miraz.
Josh Hazlewood, returning from injury, was the standout for Australia. He claimed all four remaining wickets and finished with outstanding figures of 6 for 89. His fifth wicket of the innings — Miraz caught behind — brought up a personal milestone: Hazlewood’s 300th Test wicket. He became only the ninth Australian to reach the landmark and joined current teammates Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins in the 300-club.
Bangladesh were eventually dismissed for 426 shortly after lunch, a lead of 228.
Australia’s second-innings struggles
Chasing a substantial deficit, Australia’s reply began disastrously. Hasan Mahmud, who had already taken a career-best 6 for 55 in the first innings, struck twice with the new ball. Jake Weatherald was bowled for a three-ball duck, and Travis Head (17) also chopped on.
Marnus Labuschagne (31) and Steve Smith (44) briefly stabilised the innings with a solid partnership, but Bangladesh’s spinners applied the pressure. Taijul Islam removed Labuschagne, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz produced the key breakthrough when he caught and bowled Smith for 44, reducing Australia to 122 for 4.
Cameron Green (43 not out) and Alex Carey (19 not out) then dug in through the final session. The pair compiled an unbeaten 39-run stand to take Australia to 161 for 4 at stumps — still trailing by 67 runs with six wickets remaining.
What it means
Bangladesh hold a clear advantage heading into Day 4. A first-ever Test win in Australia is firmly within reach if they can claim the remaining six wickets. Australia, meanwhile, must first erase the deficit and then build a competitive lead on a pitch that is expected to offer more assistance to the bowlers as the match progresses.
Hazlewood’s six-wicket haul and 300th Test scalp provided the main bright spot for the home side on an otherwise difficult day, while Green’s composed resistance offered a glimmer of hope for a fightback.
Brief scores (end of Day 3)
Australia 198 & 161/4 (Green 43*, Smith 44, Labuschagne 31; Mahmud 2-33, Mehidy 1-20)
Bangladesh 426 (Tanzid 101, Shanto 84, Miraz 65; Hazlewood 6-89)
Australia trail by 67 runs with six wickets in hand.
The first Test continues on Day 4 at Marrara Stadium, Darwin.
