Australia ended the third day on 161 for four at Marrara Stadium, still 67 runs behind Bangladesh’s first-innings total of 426. The visitors had earlier secured a 228-run lead after a determined performance from their lower order, leaving Australia with a difficult task heading into the final two days.
Bangladesh strengthened their position again in the final session when Miraz removed Steve Smith for 44. It was a significant wicket, with Smith having looked settled before Miraz eventually forced the mistake. Australia’s hopes now rest heavily on Cameron Green and Alex Carey, who were unbeaten at stumps.
Despite Bangladesh’s position, Miraz is not allowing talk of a possible victory to distract the team from the immediate task.
“We are not thinking that way. We are trying to bowl in the right areas,” Miraz said. “For every wicket, you have to work hard because the wicket is not that easy.”
The pitch at Marrara Stadium has continued to offer good batting conditions, making the job of the bowlers harder once the new ball loses its hardness. Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood also described the surface as “very good to bat on” and said slowing the scoring rate and creating pressure could be the best way to take wickets.
That is likely to be Bangladesh’s approach on the fourth day. Rather than trying to force the match towards an immediate finish, Miraz wants his side to keep Australia’s scoring under control and attack in small stages.
“The fewer runs they score, the better for us,” he said. “There are still two days left in the game. It is important for us to take three quick wickets because they all are good batters.”
Miraz also pointed to the changing nature of the pitch as another reason for patience. “The wicket is getting better day by day,” he said, adding that Bangladesh would focus on taking “small steps” rather than worrying about a large target.
With Australia six wickets down from defeat but still capable of rebuilding their innings, Bangladesh have plenty of work left to do. Their position is promising, but Miraz’s message is clear- the focus remains on execution rather than the result.
