Australia ended the third day of the Darwin Test 67 runs behind Bangladesh, with six wickets in hand. Bangladesh were bowled out for 426 after batting for five overs after lunch, having earlier built a 228-run first-innings lead.
Australia now need a historic comeback at Marrara Cricket Ground. Since the start of the 21st century, Australia have won just once at home after conceding a first-innings deficit of 200 or more runs. That came against Pakistan in Sydney in 2010, when they recovered from a 206-run deficit to win by 36 runs.
Bangladesh’s 228-run lead has put Australia under considerable pressure, and that was clear in their second innings.
Australia lost a wicket in the second over, with Hasan Mahmud continuing his excellent work from the first innings by bowling Jake Weatherald for a duck. He then dismissed Travis Head, leaving Australia at 37 for two.
Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith attempted to rebuild the innings, but experienced left-arm spinner Taijul Islam broke the partnership by dismissing Labuschagne for 31.
With Australia 73 for three, Smith took responsibility for leading the recovery. His resistance, however, did not last long. Mehidy Hasan Miraz set a trap for Smith and eventually dismissed him for 44.
Miraz had kept Smith playing forward for much of his innings, making it difficult for him to score freely. He then suddenly took pace off the ball, prompting Smith to mistime his shot. The ball went straight back to Miraz, who took the catch himself.
Bangladesh finished the day with the relief of having removed Australia’s biggest threat. Earlier, Hasan Mahmud, who had remained unbeaten overnight, was dismissed soon after the start of play. He made 14 from 92 balls before becoming Josh Hazlewood’s first victim of the day.
Hazlewood then dismissed Mehidy Hasan Miraz to claim his 300th Test wicket. Miraz’s determined 65 came from 154 balls and ended after lunch. Hazlewood finished the innings with six wickets.
Bangladesh’s innings ended soon after Miraz’s dismissal, with the visitors bowled out for 426. That left Australia with a substantial challenge to overcome.
Cameron Green, unbeaten on 43, and Alex Carey, unbeaten on 19, will resume Australia’s chase on the fourth day.
