Darwin: Bangladesh gain advantage as Australia resist in first Test
Bangladesh bowlers made significant progress on Day 3 of the first Test against Australia in Darwin, despite favourable batting conditions. The visitors managed to break through Australia’s top order, positioning themselves advantageously heading into Day 4.
At the close of Day 3, Australia trailed by 67 runs with six wickets remaining. The third innings commenced with Australia behind by 228 runs. Hasan Mahmud, a pacer for Bangladesh, continued his strong performance, having taken 6/55 in the first innings. He struck twice early with the new ball, dismissing Australian openers Jake Weatherald for 0 and Travis Head for 17, giving Bangladesh an early boost.
Marnus Labuschagne, who scored 31, and Steve Smith, with 44 runs, managed to stabilise the innings for a period, preventing further quick wickets. However, Bangladesh’s spinners, Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, intervened, accounting for both batsmen and further denting Australia’s progress.
Australia’s resistance and Hazlewood’s milestone
All-rounder Cameron Green and wicket-keeper Alex Carey then formed a partnership, resisting Bangladesh’s persistent bowling on what was described as a good batting pitch. Green was 43 not out and Carey was 15 not out at stumps. With six wickets still in hand, Australia aims to overcome the deficit and establish a defendable total for the fourth innings as the pitch is expected to deteriorate.
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh’s lower order extended their lead beyond 153 runs to over 200, frustrating the Australian side. Mehidy Hasan Miraz contributed a spirited 65 runs, supported by other lower-order batsmen, despite Australia’s efforts to take wickets.
Among the Australian bowlers, Josh Hazlewood was a standout performer, taking 6/89. He secured the wicket of Hasan Mahmud for 14 and also dismissed the remaining Bangladesh batters on the third day, including Miraz. This performance marked Hazlewood’s 300th Test wicket, making him the ninth Australian to achieve this milestone.
Hazlewood joins teammates Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Pat Cummins in the 300-wicket club. Among Australians who have reached this landmark, only Cummins, Glenn McGrath, and Dennis Lillee boast a better bowling average than Hazlewood’s 24.02.
Reflecting on his achievement, Hazlewood stated that such milestones are not typically considered during play but are something to reflect on later. He also expressed that it was “pretty cool” to see his name alongside other notable players, especially three of whom he currently plays with.
Bangladesh eyes historic win
The departure of Steve Smith, caught and bowled by Mehidy Hasan Miraz for 44 after tea, left Australia in a difficult position at 122 for four, sparking celebrations among the Bangladesh players on the Marrara Oval pitch. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed satisfaction with his team’s character and play over the preceding days.
The focus is now on Cameron Green, whose place in the team has been a topic of discussion. He and Carey defended well in the final hour, despite the flat pitch offering few challenges. Australia, the top-ranked Test nation, found themselves in trouble against Bangladesh, whose batters had posted 426 runs.
The conditions in Darwin’s tropical north have been challenging, with only the hosts appearing to struggle. Australia’s pace attack was reportedly fatigued after three consecutive days of play. Bangladesh is now within six wickets of a potential upset, with Australia still needing a substantial partnership from Green and Carey to avoid defeat.
The ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 points are at stake, and Bangladesh will aim to capitalise on their advantage early on Sunday to secure the remaining Australian wickets.
Source: icc-cricket.com
