Twenty-three years after Bangladesh last played a Test in Australia, the Tigers are making the most of their long-awaited return. Three days into the series opener at Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin, they have put themselves within touching distance of a historic victory.
Australia finished the third day on 161 for four in their second innings, still 67 runs from making Bangladesh bat again. They began the innings 228 runs behind after the visitors piled up 426, powered by Tanzid Hasan’s blistering maiden Test hundred and Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s crucial 65.
Six wickets remain for the hosts, but the momentum and history are firmly with Bangladesh, as Australia have never overturned such a first-innings deficit at home to win a Test. To survive this one, they will have to make history.
Bangladesh still have plenty of work to do. Australia will be expected to resist, particularly with Cameron Green and Alex Carey unbeaten at stumps. But after three days of commanding cricket, Bangladesh can now see the possibility of a famous win, with an innings victory also within reach.
Though vice-captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz remained measured when asked about the prospect of victory, he said, “We’re not thinking that far ahead. Our focus is simply on bowling in the right areas. Every wicket will require hard work because the pitch isn’t that easy to bowl on.”
The hosts’ second innings began badly as Hasan Mahmud struck twice. Darwin local Jake Weatherald was bowled for a duck before Travis Head fell attempting a cramped cut, giving Hasan both openers for the second time in the Test.
Marnus Labuschagne, under pressure after a prolonged run drought, looked more assured as he and Steven Smith began to build Australia’s response, but Taijul Islam broke the stand by dismantling Labuschagne’s stumps for 31. Smith then joined forces with Cameron Green, and the pair began to settle on a surface that remained good for batting.
Miraz, however, had other plans. He kept Smith under pressure before finally producing the breakthrough. After making 44, Smith miscued a shot back to Miraz, who dived to his right to take the return catch and remove one of Australia’s key batters.
Green and Carey then survived the final 16 overs without further damage, but Australia still face a formidable challenge on the fourth morning. Beyond this partnership lies Beau Webster, after which the hosts’ recognised batting depth runs thin.
Resuming on 351 for six, Bangladesh lost tailender Hasan early, the pacer trapped lbw by Josh Hazlewood for 14 after facing 92 balls in 163 minutes. His 170-ball stand with Miraz produced 46 runs before Taijul added a brisk 17, including a superb flick for six off Hazlewood. Taijul fell in the same over, but Miraz and Taskin Ahmed frustrated Australia further with a 46-run ninth-wicket stand.
Miraz showed excellent game awareness while batting with the tail, managing the strike smartly and countering Australia’s short-ball plan. Australia packed the leg side and attacked with bouncers, but found little reward. Smith dropped Taskin, while Head missed a tough chance from Miraz, who responded by smashing a six off the final ball before lunch.
Hazlewood ended Miraz’s resistance in the first over after lunch, dismissing him for 65 off 154 balls to claim his 300th Test wicket. He then removed Ebadot to finish with 6-89 from 28 overs, including three maidens, on a difficult day for Australia.
However, reaching 300 Test wickets on his return, Hazlewood said Australia still believe they can win the Test from here.
“If we can bat deep into tomorrow and potentially even the whole day, maybe there are always opportunities to take 10 wickets on the final day if the wicket is a little bit up and down. So, a win is still definitely in our mind, and always is, pretty much,” he said.
