Bangladesh moved closer to a historic Test victory in Australia after Mehidy Hasan Miraz struck three times on the fourth morning in Darwin.
Australia resumed the day on 165/4, still 63 runs behind Bangladesh. Cameron Green and Alex Carey started with the task of cutting down the deficit on a pitch that offered little help to the bowlers.
The pair initially kept Bangladesh waiting. Green remained patient while Carey looked to score whenever he found an opportunity.
Miraz finally gave Bangladesh the breakthrough at 178/5. He removed Carey for 30 after the left hander edged an off break to Litton Das behind the stumps.
Green then completed his half century from 109 balls and continued to hold Australia’s innings together.
Miraz soon struck again with a brilliant delivery to Beau Webster. The ball went past Webster’s outside edge and hit the off stump, sending him back for five at 193/6.
Bangladesh then turned to spin from both ends, with Taijul Islam keeping the pressure on alongside Miraz.
Captain Pat Cummins tried to stay with Green, but Miraz removed him for eight. Cummins got an inside edge onto his pad before Shadman Islam completed the catch at short leg.
Australia slipped to 207/7 with the wicket and remained 21 runs behind Bangladesh.
Green continued Australia’s resistance and moved into the 60s, while Mitchell Starc joined him at the crease as Bangladesh pushed for the final three wickets.
