The short version
- Bangladesh leads by 67 runs with six wickets remaining for Australia to chase.
- Spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz dismissed Steve Smith, a pivotal moment in the second innings.
- Hasan Mahmud claimed both Australian openers early in the second session, shifting momentum.
The first Test match between Bangladesh and Australia in Darwin has reached a critical juncture, with the visiting side poised to secure a historic victory. Bangladesh has never previously won a Test match on Australian soil, making this potential triumph a significant milestone in international cricket. As play concluded on the third day at the Marrara Oval, the visitors held a commanding lead of 67 runs over Australia’s first innings total. The hosts entered their second chase with six wickets still in hand, facing a difficult task to avoid defeat.
The turning point of the day arrived when Bangladesh spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz dismissed Steve Smith. Smith, often regarded as Australia’s most reliable batter, departed for 44 runs after edging a delivery straight back to the off-spinner. His dismissal left Australia at 122-4 in their second innings and visibly energized the Bangladesh camp. The loss of such a central figure in the Australian lineup shifted the psychological balance of the match, raising confidence among the visitors that a win was within reach.
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh had consolidated its position with a strong batting performance. Adding 75 runs to an overnight score of 351-6, the team reached a total of 426 before being bowled out shortly after lunch. Miraz played a crucial role in this phase, scoring 65 runs from 154 balls. His innings helped stabilize the lower order and frustrated Australia’s bowling attack, which appeared to be tiring under the pressure. This resilience allowed Bangladesh to set a challenging target for the hosts.
The Australian bowling effort was highlighted by Josh Hazlewood, who claimed six wickets for 89 runs in the first innings. This performance marked his 300th Test wicket, a notable career achievement. Despite this individual success, the Australian attack struggled to contain Bangladesh’s batters throughout the day. The visitors’ ability to rotate strike and build partnerships prevented Australia from gaining significant momentum, keeping the match firmly in their favor as the third day progressed.
In the second innings, Bangladesh seamer Hasan Mahmud delivered a stunning start that further complicated Australia’s position. Having taken six wickets for 55 runs in the first innings, Mahmud continued his dominance by dismissing both Australian openers cheaply. Jake Weatherald was bowled for a duck, while Travis Head fell for 17 runs after chopping on to his stumps. These early breakthroughs put immediate pressure on the middle order and disrupted Australia’s plans for a steady rebuild.
Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith attempted to steady the Australian innings following the collapse of the openers. Labuschagne contributed 31 runs before being bowled by Taijul Islam, leaving Smith to bat sensibly for his 44 runs off 88 balls. However, Smith’s eventual dismissal proved decisive. Without his presence at the crease, Australia found it difficult to accelerate or consolidate effectively. The remaining batters faced a steep challenge as they tried to close the gap against a disciplined Bangladesh bowling attack.
By the end of the day, Australia had reached 161-4, still trailing by 67 runs with six wickets remaining. Cameron Green and Alex Carey remained at the crease, offering a sliver of hope for the hosts. Green, whose place in the team had been questioned before the series, defended well on an unbeaten 43, while Carey contributed 19 runs. Their partnership provided some resistance, but the deficit remains substantial given the limited overs left in the day and the quality of Bangladesh’s bowling.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto praised his team’s character and performance over the past few days. He expressed satisfaction with how the players handled pressure and executed their plans on the field. The victory would not only be a historic first for Bangladesh in Australia but also mark a significant shift in the balance of power in this series. With day four approaching, all eyes will be on whether Australia can mount a comeback or if Bangladesh will seal a landmark win.
This match is part of a two-Test series between the two nations. Australia has never lost a home Test to Bangladesh, having only suffered one defeat against them in six previous encounters, which occurred in Mirpur in 2017. The stakes are high for both teams, with Bangladesh aiming to rewrite history and Australia looking to defend their strong record at home. The outcome of this match could have lasting implications for the remainder of the series and future tours.
As the teams prepare for day four, the focus will be on whether Australia can accelerate their scoring rate without losing wickets. Green and Carey’s ability to build a substantial partnership will be crucial. Meanwhile, Bangladesh will look to maintain pressure through tight bowling and sharp fielding. The coming sessions promise to be decisive, with the potential for a historic result hanging in the balance.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗Bangladesh move closer to historic win in Australia
