Mitchell Starc’s delivery was gently pushed towards long-on, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz set off for two. He completed the two runs to bring up his half-century. He became the fifth Bangladesh batter to get a fifty on Australian soil in Test.
Miraz produced an important innings in Australia. On the second day, Australia’s pace attack had struck after taking the second new ball, claiming three Bangladesh wickets for just 11 runs. A collapse appeared likely.
But Miraz stood firm against the Australian pace. Alongside Hasan Mahmud, he saw Bangladesh through the remainder of the second day without further damage. Miraz remained unbeaten on 32 at the close after sharing an unbeaten 43-run stand with Hasan.
Hasan was dismissed by Josh Hazlewood on the third morning, while the new batter Taijul Islam lasted 23 balls before also being dismissed. Miraz, who had resumed on 32 not out, remained composed and reached his half-century.
It was his 10th Test half-century. His fifty also made him the fifth Bangladesh batter to score a Test half-century in Australia. Miraz’s determined batting helped Bangladesh extend their lead beyond 200 runs.
