Bangladesh close in on historic Test victory as Australia’s top-order collapses in Darwin
Steve Smith’s dismissal by Mehidy Hasan Miraz shifts momentum, while Josh Hazlewood reaches 300 wickets in a match dominated by Bangladesh’s bowling attack.
Bangladesh have moved within striking distance of a landmark achievement in international cricket, closing day three of the first Test in Darwin on 161-4. The tourists hold a 67-run lead over Australia’s first-innings total of 426, positioning themselves to secure their first-ever Test victory on Australian soil.
The match has been defined by Australia’s inability to capitalise on early advantages and Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling. After dismissing the hosts for 198 in the first innings, led by Hasan Mahmud’s career-best 6-55, Bangladesh extended their lead to 228 runs. Australia’s second innings has seen them stumble to 161-4, with openers Jake Weatherald and Travis Head dismissed cheaply by Mahmud, who finished with match figures of 8 wickets.
Steve Smith appeared to be stabilising the Australian innings with a composed 44 before being removed by spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz. The dismissal, a sharp caught-and-bowled chance, left Australia 122-4 and 106 runs behind, effectively ending their hopes of a significant recovery. Smith’s miss in the deep earlier in the day contributed to Australia’s five dropped catches during the match, a statistical error that Bangladesh’s bowlers exploited ruthlessly.
Cameron Green (43 not out) and Alex Carey (19 not out) are currently attempting to prevent an innings defeat, but the task remains formidable. Bangladesh’s tail, anchored by Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s unbeaten 65, added 75 runs in the first innings to post a total that has proven difficult for Australia to chase. The visitors have maintained pressure by keeping Australia in the field for extended periods, exploiting the pitch conditions at Marrara Stadium.
Josh Hazlewood provided a solitary bright spot for the hosts, claiming 6-89 in the second innings. His final wicket, the dismissal of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, marked his 300th Test wicket, making him the fourth member of Australia’s “Big Four” bowling attack to reach this milestone. Despite Hazlewood’s achievement, Australia remains 67 runs behind, facing a significant deficit to avoid defeat.
The largest first-innings deficit Australia have overcome to win a home Test is 206 runs, achieved against Pakistan in 2010. Bangladesh’s current lead exceeds half of that margin, underscoring the magnitude of the challenge facing the hosts. With six wickets remaining, Bangladesh are on the verge of securing an innings victory, which would stand as one of the most significant results in their Test cricket history.
