Bangladesh in Control After Day Three in Darwin

Bangladesh remained in a strong position at the end of the third day of the first Test against Australia in Darwin, taking a 228-run first-innings lead and then reducing the hosts to 161 for 4 in their second innings.

Australia still trail by 67 runs, with two days left in the match.

Bangladesh were bowled out for 426 earlier in the day after Australia had made 198 in their first innings. Mehidy Hasan Miraz played a crucial role with a fighting 65, while Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain helped extend Bangladesh’s lead.

Josh Hazlewood was Australia's standout bowler, finishing with 6 for 89. His fifth wicket, Miraz, also brought up his 300th Test wicket, making him only the ninth Australian bowler to reach the milestone.

Bangladesh's total was their second-highest score against Australia in Tests. Tanzid Hasan Tamim led the way with a century, while captain Najmul Hossain Shanto scored 84, with Mominul Haque making 49 and Mushfiqur Rahim 36.

Australia then struggled again in their second innings. Hasan Mahmud, who took six wickets in the first innings, removed both openers. Jake Weatherald was dismissed for a duck, while Travis Head made 17.

Marnus Labuschagne briefly steadied the innings with Steven Smith, but Taijul Islam bowled him for 31. Smith looked set for another half-century after scoring 71 in the first innings, but Miraz dismissed him for 44, taking a sharp catch off his own bowling.

Cameron Green and Alex Carey prevented further damage before stumps. Green remained unbeaten on 43, while Carey was 19 not out, putting together an unbeaten 39-run partnership.

Bangladesh now need six more wickets to put themselves in a position to chase a historic Test victory in Australia. The Tigers have never won a Test or ODI series match in Australia, despite playing two Tests and six ODIs there.

With Australia still behind and six wickets remaining, Bangladesh have a genuine chance to create history in Darwin.