Bangladesh is nearing a significant victory in their Test history, with Australia struggling at 161-4 at stumps on day three of the first Test in Darwin. The hosts remain 67 runs behind Bangladesh‘s total, setting up a challenging final day for Australia.
Cameron Green (43 not out) and Alex Carey (19 not out) are currently at the crease, tasked with the improbable mission of rescuing Australia. The team faces a substantial challenge to first erase the deficit and then establish a competitive total for their bowlers to defend. Should Bangladesh secure six more wickets swiftly, they could achieve an innings victory, marking their first Test win on Australian soil.
Bangladesh extends lead and takes crucial wickets
Resuming their first innings at 351-6, Mehidy Hasan Miraz played a pivotal role in extending Bangladesh‘s lead. He guided the tail-enders to add another 75 runs, bringing Bangladesh‘s total to 426 all out. This performance further stretched their first-innings lead beyond 200 runs. Mehidy formed partnerships of 46 with Hasan Mahmud, 18 with Taijul Islam, and another useful 46 with Taskin Ahmed before being dismissed for 65 runs from 154 balls.
Josh Hazlewood was a key performer for Australia, claiming all four wickets that fell on Saturday. He finished with figures of 6-89 from 28 overs. His dismissal of Mehidy also marked his 300th Test wicket, making him the fourth member of Australia‘s notable bowling attack to reach this milestone and the ninth Australian overall.
After their strong batting display, Bangladesh‘s bowlers quickly made an impact. Australia lost both openers cheaply at Marrara Stadium before tea. Jake Weatherald was dismissed for 0 and Travis Head for 17, both chopping on while attempting to cut paceman Hasan Mahmud. This left Australia struggling at 37-2.
Mahmud‘s performance brought his match tally to eight wickets, building on his first-innings return of 6-55, which helped dismiss Australia for 198. His early wickets in the second innings continued to set a dominant tone for the touring side.
Australia’s top-order struggles continue
Marnus Labuschagne, who has been seeking runs after a lean period, appeared busy at the crease. However, he was bowled for 31 runs from 59 deliveries after missing a straight ball from spinner Taijul Islam (1-28).
Australia‘s hopes largely rested on Steve Smith, who looked composed and accumulated runs with minimal risk. However, the momentum shifted firmly in Bangladesh‘s favour when Mehidy (1-20) took a sharp caught-and-bowled chance to dismiss Smith for 44 runs. This crucial wicket left Australia at 122-4, still 106 runs in arrears.
The departure of Smith left Australia in a difficult position, with Bangladesh players celebrating on the Marrara Oval pitch. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed satisfaction with his team’s character and play over the last few days.
The largest first-innings deficit Australia has overcome to win a home Test was 206 runs, achieved against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 2010. Green and Carey will need a significant partnership to prevent defeat. The Marrara Oval in Australia‘s tropical north has been challenging, with the home side appearing to wilt under pressure.
Australia‘s pace attack, including Josh Hazlewood, has been put to work for a third consecutive day. The three-Test series between England and Pakistan is scheduled to be broadcast live from August 19.
Source: skysports.com
