Bangladesh close Day Three on 161-4, 67 runs ahead in Darwin Test
Spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s key wicket of Steve Smith leaves hosts trailing in second innings as tourists chase historic victory
Bangladesh have moved within striking distance of a historic milestone, closing Day Three of the first Test against Australia on 161-4 in Darwin. The visitors hold a 67-run lead over the hosts, who are batting in their second innings and trail by that margin.
The day’s pivotal moment came when spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz dismissed Australian captain Steve Smith. Smith, who had been steadying the innings, played a leading edge to off-spinner Mehidy and chipped the ball straight back to the bowler when the score was on 122. Smith remains at the crease alongside Cameron Green, who is on 43, while Alex Carey is on 19.
Bangladesh’s dominance was established early in the match when they bowled Australia out for 198 in their first innings. This total came after Bangladesh had been dismissed for 426 shortly after lunch on the previous day. Seamer Hasan Mahmud was instrumental in the Australian collapse, taking a career-best 6-55 in the first innings, including the cheap dismissals of openers Jake Weatherald and Travis Head.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz has been central to Bangladesh’s campaign, contributing with both bat and ball. In the first innings, he scored a valuable 65, shielding the lower order against a tiring Australian attack led by Josh Hazlewood. His all-round performance has been crucial in maintaining pressure on the hosts.
Bangladesh are attempting to secure their first-ever Test victory in Australia, a feat they have not achieved in three previous attempts. Despite being unfancied after a heavy defeat in their warm-up match, the tourists have shown resilience, keeping Australia in the field for 138 overs in the first innings and now controlling the second.
Visiting captain Najmul Hossain Shanto emphasised the team’s process-oriented approach. “The way we showed character and the way we played for the last two or three days was outstanding,” Shanto told Fox Sports. “We are taking it session by session, focusing on the process and not the outcome.”
The match has seen several key moments, including dropped catches by Smith and Josh Hazlewood reaching 300 Test wickets. As the series progresses, Bangladesh’s ability to maintain their lead and capitalise on Australia’s batting vulnerabilities will be critical in their quest for a landmark win.
