Bangladesh Close In On Historic Maiden Test Victory In Australia

Bangladesh stand on the cusp of their first-ever Test victory on Australian soil after reducing the hosts to 161-4 at stumps on day three, still trailing by 67 runs in the first Test at Marrara Oval.

Off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz struck the decisive blow late in the final session, dismissing Steve Smith for 44 after the former Australia captain had chipped a leading edge straight back to the bowler.

Smith’s departure left the home side reeling at 122-4, their hopes of saving the match now resting on Cameron Green, unbeaten on 43, and wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who finished the day on 19.

Earlier, Bangladesh had added 75 runs to their overnight total of 351-6, with Miraz contributing a composed 65 off 154 balls to guide the tail and frustrate Australia’s attack.

Josh Hazlewood was the standout bowler for the hosts, claiming 6-89 and reaching his 300th Test wicket, but his efforts could not prevent Bangladesh from posting a competitive 426.

Bangladesh seamer Hasan Mahmud, who claimed a career-best 6-55 in the first innings, struck twice early in Australia’s second innings, bowling Jake Weatherald for a duck and Travis Head for 17, both batsmen chopping on to their stumps.

Marnus Labuschagne and Smith steadied the innings with a 45-run partnership, but Labuschagne fell for 31, bowled by Taijul Islam, before Miraz removed Smith to swing momentum firmly in the visitors’ favour.
Australia have never lost a home Test to Bangladesh, with their only defeat in six previous meetings coming in Mirpur in 2017.

However, the tourists now require just six wickets on day four to secure a historic breakthrough, with Green and Carey representing Australia’s last line of defence.

“This is outstanding. The way we showed character and played the last two, three days I think is outstanding,” Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said. “Really happy to see them play like this.”

The two-Test series continues with the second match scheduled to follow, but Bangladesh will enter day four knowing that victory in Darwin would rank among their greatest achievements in the longest format of the game.