Bangladesh edged ever closer to what could become one of the most momentous triumphs in their Test cricket annals after Australia found themselves precariously placed at 161 for 4 at the close of play on day three of the opening Test in Darwin. At that stage the visitors were still trailing by 67 runs, a gap that, while not insurmountable, highlighted the magnitude of the challenge ahead. The lower order partnership of Cameron Green, who remained unbeaten on 43, and wicket‑keeper Alex Carey, unbeaten on 19, managed to stave off an immediate collapse and keep Australia in the game. Yet the hosts now face a daunting task: they must first erase the existing deficit and then construct a defensible total that can withstand Bangladesh’s potent bowling attack.
If Bangladesh can claim six more wickets swiftly, they stand a realistic chance of wrapping up the innings outright, which would hand them their first Test win on Australian ground and arguably represent the biggest victory in the nation’s Test history. When play resumed, Bangladesh were 351 for 6. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, showing the composure of a seasoned all‑rounder, guided the tail through a further 75 runs, taking the total to 426 all out.
This extended Bangladesh’s first‑innings lead to well over 200 runs, a psychological cushion that put additional pressure on the Australian side. Miraz then turned his attention to the ball, delivering a crucial breakthrough by dismissing the legendary Steve Smith late in the day. During his innings, Miraz built partnerships that were vital to Bangladesh’s total: a 46‑run stand with Hasan Mahmud, an 18‑run effort with Taijul Islam, and another 46‑run collaboration with Taskin Ahmed.
He eventually fell for 65 off 154 deliveries, having anchored the innings and set the platform for the bowlers. Australia’s fielding woes compounded their troubles, with three dropped catches – one of them a baffling miss by Smith in the deep – raising their total number of missed chances in the match to five. These lapses proved costly, as they allowed Bangladesh to retain momentum.
Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood was the standout with the ball on Saturday, claiming all four wickets that fell that day and finishing with impressive figures of 6 for 89 from 28 overs. His spell was instrumental in keeping Australia’s total under control. In a broader context, Hazlewood’s dismissal of Miraz also marked his 300th Test wicket, a milestone that places him among the elite of Australia’s celebrated "Big Four" pace quartet and makes him the ninth Australian to reach this landmark.
Australia’s top order crumbled early, with both openers departing cheaply. Jake Weatherald was dismissed for a duck, while Travis Head managed only 17 before being caught attempting a cut off the pace of Hasan Mahmud. By tea, Australia were wobbling at 37 for 2. Mahmud, who had already taken eight wickets in the match, continued his dominance.
His first‑innings figures of 6 for 55 had already set the tone, and his relentless pressure forced the Australians into a defensive mindset for the remainder of the game. Marnus Labuschagne, trying to revive his innings after a lean spell, looked promising until he mis‑timed a straight delivery from spinner Taijul Islam and was bowled for 31 off 59 balls.
This dismissal added to Australia’s growing list of setbacks. The onus then fell on Steve Smith, whose reputation for steady, risk‑averse accumulation made him the linchpin of any Australian comeback. However, Mehidy’s sharp caught‑and‑bowled dismissal of Smith for 44, after a brief spell of 1 for 20, left Australia at 122 for 4 and still 106 runs behind Bangladesh.
Historically, the largest first‑innings deficit that Australia has ever overturned to win a home Test is 206 runs, achieved against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 2010. Bangladesh’s current lead, exceeding 200 runs, therefore places them within striking distance of a historic upset. Beyond the immediate match, the series continues to generate excitement across the cricketing world.
Fans can follow the three‑Test series between England and Pakistan, which begins on August 19, via Sky Sports Cricket, and can also stream live cricket and other sports without a contract through the NOW platform. In summary, Bangladesh’s disciplined batting, strategic partnerships, and incisive bowling have positioned them on the cusp of a landmark victory.
Australia, meanwhile, must regroup, tighten their fielding, and mount a resilient response if they hope to avoid a historic defeat on home soil.