Bangladesh are six wickets away from historic Test win as Australia stumble to 161/4 on day three
Bangladesh moved within touching distance of one of the biggest Test victories in their history after reducing Australia to 161/4 at stumps on the third day of the first Test at the Marrara Stadium on Saturday. The hosts remain 67 runs short of Bangladesh’s first innings total of 426, leaving the visitors needing just six more wickets to secure a historic Test win on Australian soil.Cameron Green remained unbeaten with 43 runs, while Alex Carey was not out in the 19th over as Australia struggled to survive the final session. However, the hosts still face an uphill task of erasing the deficit first before setting Bangladesh’s target in the fourth over.
Hassan Mahmoud continues to dominate Australia
Hasan Mahmood once again proved to be Australia’s biggest problem, taking two wickets in the second innings after taking 6/55 in the first innings. The fast bowler dismissed both openers cheaply, with Jake Weatherald falling for a duck and Travis Head departing for 17. Both batsmen chipped the ball onto their stumps as they attempted to cut off shots.Mahmood’s wicket took his tally for the match to eight, putting Bangladesh firmly in control.
Mehidi removes Smith after Bangladesh’s 426
Bangladesh resumed the third day on 351/6 and eventually scored 426, with Mehidi Hasan Miraz playing a crucial role in extending the visitors’ lead. Mehidy scored 65 off 154 balls and added valuable partnerships with Hasan Mahmood, Taijul Islam and Taskin Ahmed to guide Bangladesh beyond the 400-run mark.After contributing with the bat, Mehidi returned to make another crucial impact with the ball, removing Steve Smith for 44 late in the day. Smith looked set to get Australia out of trouble before Mehidi took a sharp chance to reduce the hosts to 122/4.
Hazlewood joins the 300-wicket club
Josh Hazlewood was the outstanding bowler for Australia, claiming all four Bangladeshi wickets to fall on Saturday and finishing with the score of 6/89. His dismissal of Mehedi was particularly significant as it resulted in Hazlewood’s 300th Test wicket. He became the fourth member of Australia’s famous attack to reach the milestone and the ninth Australian player overall.Hazlewood then dismissed Ebadot Hossain for seven to wrap up Bangladesh’s innings at 426.Australia’s top order has once again failed to provide a strong platform. Weatherald was dismissed without scoring before Head followed with 17, leaving Australia struggling at 37/2. Marnus Labuschagne showed some intent but was eventually bowled by Taijul Islam for 31 off 59 balls after missing a straight delivery. Smith’s dismissal then left Australia reeling at 122/4 before Green and Carey stabilized the innings.Australia’s most successful comeback from a first innings deficit at home came in 2010, when they recovered from 206 runs behind Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground. With Australia still 67 runs short of par, Bangladesh have put themselves in prime position to make history in the first Test of the two-match series.
