Australia faced a challenging third day in Darwin, fighting to remain in the Test match as Bangladesh moved within reach of a historic victory. By the close of play, the hosts reached 161 for 4, still trailing by 67 runs after Bangladesh finished their first innings with a commanding 228-run lead.
The day began with Bangladesh extending their advantage, batting for 138 overs—the longest duration for any visiting side in seven years. Josh Hazlewood spearheaded the Australian attack, ending the innings with impressive figures of 6 for 89. He claimed his 300th Test wicket by dismissing Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who scored 65 and contributed to a vital 46-run partnership with Hasan Mahmud. The visitors' lower order added 118 runs from their final four wickets, pushing their lead past 200 for the first time in an overseas Test.
In response, Australia’s second innings faltered early under pressure from Hasan Mahmud. Jake Weatherald was dismissed for a duck in the second over, and Travis Head followed shortly after, chopping a delivery onto his stumps. Marnus Labuschagne, looking to break a three-year century drought, reached 31 before being bowled by Taijul Islam. Steve Smith and Cameron Green attempted to stabilize the innings with a 49-run partnership, but Smith’s concentration lapsed, leading to a return catch off Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Smith departed for 44, leaving Green and Alex Carey to navigate the remaining overs through to Stumps.
The match continues to favor the visitors, who have maintained consistent pressure throughout the contest. Australia now faces the daunting task of erasing the remaining 67-run deficit to set a competitive target on the final days.
In fact, they began the day well when Josh Hazlewood trapped Hasan Mahmud LBW, ending the fast bowler's 92-ball stay that spanned nearly three hours.
Hasan Mahmud removed both openers in similar fashion before Tea.
