Australia in Trouble as Bangladesh Dominate Day 3, Closing in on Famous Win

Bangladesh strengthened their grip on the first Test against Australia in Darwin as a remarkable third day left the hosts facing one of the biggest fourth-innings challenges of their Test history. After securing a commanding 228-run first-innings lead, Bangladesh dismissed Australia's top four before stumps, leaving the hosts at 161 for 4, still 67 runs behind. Cameron Green's unbeaten 43 and Alex Carey's 19 gave Australia some late resistance, but Bangladesh remain firmly in control heading into the fourth day.

The day began with Bangladesh looking to stretch their advantage, and their lower order proved extremely stubborn. Mehidy Hasan Miraz produced another valuable contribution, scoring 65 from 154 balls and helping add 118 runs for the final four wickets. Hasan Mahmud, Taijul Islam and Taskin Ahmed also frustrated Australia, ensuring Bangladesh reached 426 before Josh Hazlewood finally ended the innings. Hazlewood finished with outstanding figures of 6 for 89 and became only the ninth Australian bowler to reach 300 Test wickets, although his landmark was overshadowed by Bangladesh's dominance.

Australia's reply quickly turned into another difficult examination for their top order. Jake Weatherald was dismissed for a third-ball duck by Hasan Mahmud, who then removed Travis Head for 17. Marnus Labuschagne managed 31 but once again failed to convert a start, while Steve Smith looked relatively comfortable before handing Mehidy a return catch for 44. The dismissals left Australia in serious trouble and highlighted Bangladesh's ability to keep applying pressure even after a long first innings.

Bangladesh's advantage was also strengthened by Australia's unusually poor fielding. The hosts put down five catches during the day, with Smith and Head both missing opportunities in the same over from Pat Cummins. Those mistakes allowed Bangladesh's lower order to extend the innings and ultimately forced Australia to chase a huge deficit. After spending 138 overs in the field, Australia also appeared to be feeling the effects of the Darwin heat and the physical demands of the Test.

With Australia four wickets down, Cameron Green has become a crucial figure in the contest. He battled through 86 balls for an unbeaten 43, showing considerable patience as Bangladesh's bowlers continued to attack. Alex Carey provided valuable support with 19, and the pair reduced the deficit to 67 by the close. Australia will need this partnership to develop significantly on the fourth morning if they are to turn the match around.

The scale of Australia's task is enormous. According to Cricket Australia, the hosts have not overcome a first innings deficit this large since the famous 1992 Colombo Test, when Shane Warne and Greg Matthews helped Australia recover from a 291 run deficit. A successful comeback here would therefore rank among Australia's greatest Test recoveries.

For Bangladesh, however, this is becoming a genuine opportunity to create one of the most memorable results in their Test history. They have outplayed Australia across large periods of the first three days, with Hasan Mahmud's pace, Mehidy's all-round contribution and disciplined performances from the rest of the attack keeping the pressure firmly on the hosts. The latest scorecard shows Australia still behind Bangladesh's 426, with the match moving into a decisive fourth day.

Australia still have time and batting quality to fight their way back, but the momentum belongs unmistakably to Bangladesh. Green's resistance has kept the hosts alive, yet another early breakthrough on the fourth morning could expose Australia's lower order to enormous pressure. Bangladesh are now three days into a performance that has already exceeded expectations, and with the Tigers holding a substantial advantage, a famous victory in Darwin is beginning to look like a very real possibility.