Australia faces the prospect of an embarrassing home Test defeat against Bangladesh after a top-order collapse left them struggling at 161 for 4 at stumps on day three at the Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin. Trailing by 67 runs entering day four, the hosts must mounted a massive rescue effort without star batsman Steve Smith, who was dismissed late in the final session.
The visitors established complete control of the match by accumulating a massive first-innings total of 426, carving out a daunting 228-run lead. Bangladesh’s dominant position was set up by Tanzid Hasan’s maiden Test century (101) alongside a captain’s knock of 84 from Najmul Hossain Shanto. All-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz added late runs with a crucial 65, taking full advantage of a surprisingly sloppy Australian fielding performance that saw five dropped catches throughout the innings.
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Josh Hazlewood served as the sole bright spot for the Australian bowling unit, claiming 6 for 89. His dismissal of Mehidy marked his 300th Test wicket, making him just the ninth Australian bowler to reach the historic milestone.
Australia’s second innings began disastrously before the tea break. Paceman Hasan Mahmud—who took 6 for 55 in the first innings—continued his outstanding match by clean bowling both openers, removing Jake Weatherald for a duck and Travis Head for 17.
The middle-order offered little resistance against Bangladesh’s disciplined spin attack. Marnus Labuschagne misjudged a half-volley from Taijul Islam to fall for 31. Shortly after, Steve Smith (44) threw away a promising start by chipping a gentle delivery from Mehidy Hasan Miraz straight back to the bowler.
All-rounder Cameron Green provided much-needed resistance, surviving a major scare when a Taskin Ahmed delivery clipped his outer stump without dislodging the bails. Green remained unbeaten on 43 at the close of play alongside wicketkeeper Alex Carey (19 not out).
To avoid a historic upset, Australia must produce a record-breaking second-innings comeback on home soil. Their largest previous first-innings deficit overcome to win a home Test stands at 206 runs, achieved against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 2010.
