Dbarta24 Sports Desk — Australia staged a resilient late-afternoon counter-attack on Day 3 of the Darwin Test, cutting Bangladesh’s sizable first-innings advantage down to 67 runs.
Responding to a 228-run deficit, the hosts reached 161 for 4 at stumps in their second innings, injecting fresh energy into a match that had previously been dominated by the visitors.
Bangladesh resumed the morning session at 351 for 6 and successfully stretched their first-innings totals by adding another 75 runs for the final four wickets.
All-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz anchored the lower order with a gritty 65, while valuable contributions from the tail end pushed Bangladesh to a commanding lead.
Australia’s paceman Josh Hazlewood spearheaded the bowling attack, claiming the final wickets of Miraz and Ebadot Hossain to wrap up the innings.
The dominant display earned Hazlewood figures of 6 for the innings, while also writing his name into cricket history by reaching the milestone of 300 Test wickets.
Faced with a massive task, Australia’s second innings got off to a disastrous start. Bangladesh fast bowler Hasan Mahmud struck twice early with the new ball, dismissing openers Jake Weatherald and Travis Head in rapid succession.
Hasan famously knocked over Head’s stumps, mirroring his first-innings dismissal of the dangerous batter.
Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith then joined forces to steady the ship. Labuschagne scored a patient 31 before being clean bowled by left-arm spinner Taijul Islam.
Smith appeared set for a half-century, but his stay ended at 44 off 88 balls when Miraz took a sharp return catch off his own bowling.
Despite losing four key wickets, Australia refused to buckle. Cameron Green and Alex Carey compiled an unbeaten 39-run partnership before the close of play. Green walked off at stumps on 43, while Carey remained solid on 19.
At the end of 53 overs, Australia stands at 161 for 4. While Bangladesh maintained control for the majority of the first three days, Australia’s late-session defiance ensures a thrilling setup for Day 4.