Bangladesh closes in on historic win as Australia’s batting woes return on Day 3 of first test
DARWIN: Bangladesh moved to within sight of one of the biggest wins in its test cricket history after Australia stumbled to 161-4 and remained 67 runs behind at stumps on Day 3 of the first test on Saturday.
Cameron Green (43 not out) and Alex Carey (19 not out) dug in to keep Australia afloat, but the hosts face a huge task to first erase the deficit and then build a competitive total to defend in the final innings. Bangladesh needs six wickets to secure its first test victory in Australia and arguably the biggest win in its history in the format.Mehidy shared partnerships of 46 with Hasan Mahmud, 18 with Taijul Islam and then a handy 46-run partnership with Taskin Ahmed before eventually falling for 65 from 154 balls.
Australia was at times its own enemy with another three dropped catches Saturday, including an inexplicable drop by Smith in the deep, making it five for the battered hosts across the match.
Hazlewood’s 300
Josh Hazlewood claimed all four wickets to fall on Saturday and returned 6-89 off 28 overs for the innings. His fifth wicket of Mehidy was also his 300th test wickethim the fourth of Australia’s Big Four bowling attack to reach the milestone, and the ninth Australian to do so.
Hazlewood then removed Ebadot Hossein caught behind for 7 to end the innings at 426.
Top order woes repeat
Australia lost both openers cheaply before tea as Bangladesh strengthened its grip at Marrara Stadium.
Jake Weatherald (0) and Travis Head (17) both chopped on to paceman Hasan Mahmud attempting cut shots too close to their stumps as Australia slid to 37-2.It took Mahmud’s (2-33) match wicket tally to eight after his return of 6-55 in the first innings limited the hosts to 198 and set the tone for the tourists’ upper hand for the following two days.
Marnus Labuschagne, also in search of runs after a lean spell, looked busy at the crease until he missed a straight ball from spinner Taijul Islam (1-28) and was bowled for 31 from 59 balls.
Australia’s hopes of salvaging the match rested on Smith’s shoulders and the veteran looked composed as he characteristically accumulated his runs with low risk.