DARWIN: Bangladesh tightened their grip on the opening Test against Australia in Darwin on Saturday, reducing the hosts to 83-3 in their second innings after building a commanding 228-run first-innings lead.
Australia were still trailing by 145 runs during the final session of day three, with Steve Smith unbeaten on 27 and Cameron Green on three.
Bangladesh, resuming on 351-6, extended their first innings to 426 after Australia had been dismissed for 198 on the opening day. Mehidy Hasan Miraz strengthened the visitors’ position with an unbeaten 66.
Tanzid Hasan Tamim had earlier laid the foundation with a historic 101, becoming the first Bangladeshi batter to score a Test century on Australian soil. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto contributed 84.
Warner praises Bangladesh
Former Australia opener David Warner praised Bangladesh’s performance after their commanding opening two days.
“I have not seen anyone dominate like they have on Australian soil for a long time, especially [a side] from the subcontinent,” Warner said.
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Australia’s second innings suffered an immediate setback when Jake Weatherald departed without scoring. Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne also fell as Bangladesh maintained the pressure.
Taijul Islam was among the wicket-takers, while Bangladesh’s bowlers continued to challenge Australia’s top order.
Former Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist said the difficult position presented the hosts with an opportunity to respond and urged the batters to approach the task session by session.
