Bangladesh is poised on the brink of a monumental Test victory, having relentlessly chipped away at Australia’s batting lineup on Day 3 of their compelling encounter at Marrara Stadium. As stumps were drawn, the host nation found themselves in a precarious position at 161 for 4, still trailing Bangladesh’s commanding first-innings total of 426 by a significant 67 runs. This leaves Bangladesh needing only six more wickets to seal what would undoubtedly be a historic triumph on Australian soil.
Cameron Green, exhibiting resilience, remained unbeaten on 43, while Alex Carey provided him company at the crease with 19 not out. Their partnership provided a glimmer of hope for Australia in the final session, but the daunting task ahead involves not just erasing the deficit but then setting a competitive target for Bangladesh to chase in the fourth innings.
Hasan Mahmud emerged as Australia’s tormentor once again, continuing his dominant performance. Following an impressive 6 for 55 in the first innings, the fast bowler added another two crucial wickets in the second. He dismissed both Australian openers cheaply, with Jake Weatherald falling for a duck and Travis Head departing for 17, both succumbing to cut shots that found their way back onto the stumps. Mahmud’s combined eight wickets in the match have been instrumental in putting Bangladesh firmly in control.
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh resumed their innings on 351 for 6 and meticulously built their total to 426. Mehidy Hasan Miraz played a pivotal role in this extended batting effort, contributing a valuable 65 runs off 154 deliveries. His partnerships with Hasan Mahmud, Taijul Islam, and Taskin Ahmed were crucial in guiding Bangladesh past the 400-run mark. Not content with his batting heroics, Mehidy made another significant impact with the ball, shrewdly removing Steve Smith for 44. Smith had appeared to be settling in and guiding Australia out of trouble before Mehidy displayed excellent reflexes to claim a sharp caught-and-bowled dismissal, reducing Australia to a concerning 122 for 4.
For Australia, Josh Hazlewood was the standout performer with the ball, claiming all four Bangladesh wickets that fell on Saturday to finish with an impressive 6 for 89. His dismissal of Mehidy was particularly noteworthy as it marked his 300th Test wicket, making him the fourth member of Australia’s renowned pace attack and the ninth Australian bowler overall to achieve this significant milestone. Hazlewood then wrapped up Bangladesh’s innings by dismissing Ebadot Hossain for seven.
Australia’s top order once again failed to provide a solid foundation. Weatherald’s duck was followed by Head’s early departure for 17, leaving Australia struggling at 37 for 2. Marnus Labuschagne showed some initial intent but was eventually bowled by Taijul Islam for 31 off 59 balls after missing a straight delivery. Smith’s subsequent dismissal further compounded Australia’s woes before Green and Carey managed to stabilize the innings. The historical precedent for Australia’s biggest successful comeback from a first-innings deficit at home dates back to 2010, when they recovered from being 206 runs behind Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground. However, with Australia still 67 runs shy of merely drawing level, Bangladesh has strategically positioned itself for a historic triumph in the opening Test match of this two-game series.
