Bangladesh rock Australia as historic Test win in sight | Cricket News
Australia Trails Bangladesh by 67 Runs at Close of Day Three in First Test
DAREWIN, Australia — Australia concluded Day Three of the first Test against Bangladesh on Saturday, posting a score of 161-4 and trailing the visitors by 67 runs. The team’s efforts were hampered when spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed the crucial wicket of Steve Smith, further solidifying Bangladesh’s position in the match.
Cameron Green and Alex Carey remained at the crease as the session ended, with Green contributing 43 runs and Carey adding 19. Australia faced challenges following a quick dismissal for 198 in their first innings, putting them in a difficult position.
Bangladesh had earlier been bowled out for 426 shortly after lunch. Fast bowler Hasan Mahmud surprised the Australians with a strong performance, taking two early wickets. He dismissed both opening batsmen, Jake Weatherald (0) and Travis Head (17), as they chopped balls onto their stumps.
Marnus Labuschagne and Smith initially stabilized the innings after the early setbacks. However, Labuschagne, under scrutiny for his recent form, was bowled by left-arm spinner Taijul Islam for 31 after playing over a straight delivery. Smith, often a cornerstone for Australia, was dismissed for 39 with a leading edge back to Mehidy.
“We showed character and played outstandingly over the past few days,” Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said in a post-match interview with Fox Sports. “We are focused on taking it session by session and concentrating on the process.”
In their first innings, Bangladesh’s Mehidy also made a significant impact with the bat, scoring a vital half-century. The team had struggled during a warm-up match, being bowled out for just 54 in their second innings, which led many to assume a straightforward Australian victory in this Test.
Instead, Bangladesh fought back to dismiss Australia for 198 on the first day and displayed commendable batting that kept Australian bowlers on the field for 138 overs. Mehidy particularly frustrated the Australian attack, shielding the lower order effectively until his dismissal for 65 by Josh Hazlewood shortly after lunch, leaving Bangladesh well-positioned at that stage.
Hazlewood had two early wickets on Saturday, raising hopes for the Australians of a swift end to the Bangladeshi innings. However, Mehidy’s resilient batting helped extend the partnership, despite some uncharacteristic dropped catches by the Australians, including a missed opportunity by Smith.
Hasan’s innings was brief, as he fell to Hazlewood shortly after, but Taijul Islam’s quick 17 added to the total before Hazlewood claimed him as his 299th Test wicket. Bangladesh’s lead surpassed 200, forcing the Australian bowlers to continue laboring in the humid conditions.
Hazlewood eventually reached 300 Test wickets with Mehidy’s dismissal, as he was caught behind by Alex Carey. He secured his 301st wicket when Ebadot Hossain fell to the same fate.
As the match progresses, Bangladesh seeks to secure their first Test victory in Australia, a feat they aim to achieve on their third attempt.
