Bangladesh strengthened their position in the first Test against Australia in Darwin as the hosts reached 161/4 at stumps on Day 3, still trailing by 67 runs after another difficult day with the bat.

Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling, combined with Australia’s early batting troubles, left the home side facing an uphill battle heading into the final stages of the Test. Earlier in the day, Bangladesh’s lower order had extended their first-innings advantage to 228 runs, giving their bowlers a substantial cushion to work with.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz leads Bangladesh’s lower-order resistance

Bangladesh resumed the day at 351/6 and managed to squeeze another 75 runs from their remaining wickets. Mehidy Hasan Miraz was at the heart of the resistance, producing a patient 65 from 154 deliveries as he kept the Australian bowlers waiting and ensured Bangladesh secured a sizeable first-innings lead. Australia’s fielding also failed to help their cause, with three chances going down during the day. One of the more costly misses came from Steve Smith in the deep, adding to a frustrating outing for the hosts.

Josh Hazlewood, however, continued to be a major threat. The experienced fast bowler claimed all four remaining Bangladesh wickets to finish with impressive figures of 6/89. The day also delivered a landmark moment for Hazlewood. By completing his six-wicket haul, he became the ninth Australian bowler to reach 300 Test wickets, joining an elite group of players who have made a lasting impact on the country’s Test history.

Australia suffer early blows

Australia’s second innings began poorly as Bangladesh’s pace attack immediately exposed weaknesses in the home batting lineup. Jake Weatherald was dismissed for a duck in only the second over after Hasan Mahmud induced him to chop the ball back onto his stumps. Travis Head soon followed for 17, falling in similar fashion as he attempted to play Hasan with an angled bat.

With Australia struggling at 37/2, Marnus Labuschagne attempted to counterattack but could not convert his start into a substantial score. Taijul Islam bowled him for 31 after Labuschagne misjudged a fuller delivery, leaving the hosts in further trouble.

Also READ: Josh Hazlewood joins Australia’s elite 300-Test-wicket club during Darwin Test

Steve Smith falls as Cameron Green and Alex Carey hold firm

Steve Smith appeared to have steadied the innings during a 49-run partnership, but his stay ended on 44. The former Australian captain attempted to hit Mehidy hard but struck a sharp return catch back to the bowler, who completed an excellent reaction catch. Smith’s dismissal left Australia at 122/4 and gave Bangladesh renewed hope of pushing for victory.

Cameron Green and Alex Carey then showed composure under pressure. Green remained unbeaten on 43, while Carey was 19 not out as the pair added 39 runs without further damage before stumps. Green survived a remarkable scare when Taskin Ahmed produced a delivery that clipped the leg stump but somehow failed to dislodge the bails.

With Australia still 67 runs behind and six wickets in hand, Bangladesh remain firmly in control. The final two days promise a fascinating contest, with the visitors needing only a few early breakthroughs to put the hosts under enormous pressure.

Also READ: Tanzid Hasan’s splendid century puts Bangladesh in command on Day 2 of Darwin Test against Australia