Mahmud, Spinners Help Bangladesh Gain the Advantage Over Australia in Darwin Test

Bangladesh remained in control against Australia after their bowlers struck four times on the third day of the first Test at Darwin. Hasan Mahmud led the attack with two wickets, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam took one each to leave Australia at 161/4.

At the end of the day, Australia were still trailing Bangladesh by 67 runs, with Cameron Green unbeaten on 43, while Alex Carey being not out on 19.

Bangladesh had earlier added to their overnight score before being bowled out for 426 soon after lunch. Hasan then made an immediate impact with the ball, sending back both Australian openers for low scores.

The pacer, who had figures of 6/55 in the first innings, got Jake Weatherald for a duck before removing Travis Head for 17. Both batters tried to cut the ball but ended up dragging it back onto their stumps.

Australia needed a steady partnership after losing the two openers, and Marnus Labuschagne joined Steve Smith at the crease. The pair looked to make the most of a pitch that was still good for batting.

Labuschagne, who has struggled for runs lately and faced growing questions over his place in the side, reached 31 before Taijul Islam bowled him.

Smith, who has often rescued Australia in difficult situations, was batting carefully. However, with the score at 122, he got a leading edge off Mehidy Hasan’s bowling and hit the ball straight back to the spinner.

Earlier in the day, Mehidy Hasan played an important innings with the bat, scoring 65 to help Bangladesh post a big total in the first innings. He stood firm with the lower-order batters during the morning session and kept the Australian bowlers waiting for a breakthrough.

Bangladesh started the day on 351/6, but Josh Hazlewood struck twice in the first hour as Australia looked set to finish off the innings quickly.

Mehidy had other plans, though. His 65 kept the Australian attack frustrated and helped Bangladesh move into a strong position before Hazlewood finally dismissed him shortly after lunch.

However, due to his strong batting effort, Bangladesh remained in control and finish the innings with a strong score of 426 on the board.

Talking about bowling, Josh Hazlewood remained the most notable performer for Australia, as he picked up 6 wickets while conceding just 89 runs in the first innings.