Bangladesh inched substantially closer to what would be a first Test victory on Australian soil after spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz struck to remove Steve Smith on day three of the first Test at the Marrara Oval in Darwin. Australia finished the day on 161 for 4, still trailing Bangladesh's first-innings total by 67 runs, with Cameron Green unbeaten on 43 and Alex Carey on 19.
Miraz key as Bangladesh reclaim momentum
The defining moment of the afternoon came when Miraz induced a leading edge from Smith, the veteran Australian batsman returning a thin clip straight to the off-spinner. Smith’s dismissal for 44 off 88 left Australia in a precarious position at 122 for 4 in their second innings and handed Bangladesh renewed belief that they could complete an unprecedented result in Australia.
Earlier in the day Bangladesh had added another 75 runs to their overnight total to close on 426. The middle and lower order played a significant role: Shanto contributed 84, Tanzid reached a century with 101, and Miraz himself produced a determined 65 while shepherding the tail. Australia’s pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood returned figures of 6 for 89 in the Bangladesh innings and marked the milestone of his 300th Test wicket.
Bangladesh’s seam attack had earlier delivered a jolt to the hosts after the lunch interval. Hasan Mahmud, who had taken a career-best 6 for 55 in the first innings, struck twice in quick succession to remove both openers cheaply — Jake Weatherald for a duck and Travis Head for 17 — the pair losing their stumps after misjudged deliveries. That double blow briefly exposed Australia’s top order and set the tone for the middle session.
"The way we showed character and played the last two, three days I think is outstanding. So, really happy to see them play like this," Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said.
Australia clings to hope through Green and Carey
Having seen momentum shift decisively towards the tourists, Australia managed to see out the remainder of the day without further collapse. All-rounder Cameron Green, whose place in the side had been questioned before the series, played a composed hand to remain not out on 43, while wicketkeeper Alex Carey provided steady support at the other end.
Australia’s task on day four is clear: they must bat long enough to erase the deficit and set a target that makes victory for Bangladesh far from straightforward, or at least blunt the Tigers’ chance of forcing a result. With six wickets remaining and a deficit of 67, the hosts' margin for error is slim.
- Bangladesh first innings: 426 (Tanzid 101; Shanto 84; Miraz 65)
- Australia first innings: 198 (Smith 71; Mahmud 6-55)
- Australia second innings (close day three): 161-4 (Green 43*; Mahmud 2-33) — trailing by 67
| Side | Innings | Score | Notable performers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | 1st | 426 | Tanzid 101, Shanto 84, Miraz 65; Hazlewood 6-89 |
| Australia | 1st | 198 | Smith 71; Hasan Mahmud 6-55 |
| Australia | 2nd (close) | 161-4 | Green 43*, Mahmud 2-33 |
There is historical weight to the situation: Australia have never been beaten by Bangladesh at home. The visitors have only won a single Test against Australia in six attempts overall, making this a rare opportunity to rewrite the record books. Bangladesh’s bowlers and lower order showed resilience to frustrate Australia’s tired attack during the middle session, and the tourists now look capable of converting that grit into an extraordinary result.
For Australia, the psychological sting of losing key wickets cheaply in the second innings is acute. Smith’s wicket, in particular, halted a rebuilding phase and energised the Bangladesh players and supporters on the Marrara Oval pitch. Australia must rely on the application of Green and Carey on day four to give themselves a fighting chance of survival.
With the series opener finely poised, both sides will meet again on the field early on day four with the momentum squarely in Bangladesh’s favour but the scoreboard still offering the hosts a slender window to salvage pride and avoid an upset.
