Bangladesh move closer to historic win in Australia

First Test, Darwin (day 3 of five) Australia posted 198 in their first innings, with Steve Smith contributing 71 and Hasan Mahmud claiming 6‑55. In the second innings Australia reached 161‑4, thanks to an unbeaten 43 from Cameron Green and 2‑33 from Mahmud. Bangladesh replied with a formidable 426, built on centuries from Tanzid (101) and half‑centuries from Shanto (84) and Miraz (65), while Josh Hazlewood took 6‑89. Australia way by 67 runs with 6 wickets remaining The scorecard is available at Scorecard. Mehidy Hasan Miraz removed Steve Smith for 44, bringing Bangladesh closer to a historic first Test victory on Australian soil. Smith, often the talisman of the side, chipped a back‑foot drive to the off‑spinner before departing, leaving Australia at 122‑4 in their second innings. Australia managed to see out the remainder of the day, but they face a stern task to avoid defeat after closing at 161‑4, still 67 runs behind Bangladesh’s first‑innings total. Their hopes now rest on Cameron Green, who remained unbeaten on 43, and wicket‑keeper Alex Carey on 19. Earlier, Bangladesh added 75 to their overnight total of 351‑6. Miraz contributed 65 from 154 balls, and Hazlewood celebrated his 300th Test wicket with figures of 6‑89. Miraz’s composed innings frustrated Australia’s tiring attack. Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto remarked, “The mode we showed quality and played the past two, 3 days I deliberation is outstanding. So, truly blessed to spot them play similar this,” After lunch, Bangladesh seaman Hasan Mahmud struck early, removing Jake Weatherald for a duck and Travis Head for 17, both bowled cleanly. The 26‑year‑old, who had already recorded a career‑best 6‑55 in the first innings, continued his surge. Marnus Labuschagne and Smith steadied the chase before Labuschagne fell to Taijul Islam for 31. Smith batted sensibly for 44 off 88 balls, but his dismissal left Bangladesh in a commanding position, and they celebrated on the Marrara Oval surface. Green’s role in the lineup had been questioned prior to the series, yet he partnered effectively with Carey to see the hosts through to stumps, giving Australia a sliver of hope heading into day four. Australia have never lost a home Test to Bangladesh, their sole defeat coming in six previous encounters at Mirpur in 2017. This match opens the two‑Test series.