Darwin, Aug 15 (V7N)- Bangladesh were bowled out for 426 runs in their first innings against Australia on the third day of the Darwin Test, giving the Tigers a commanding 228-run lead.
Bangladesh resumed Saturday's play at 351 for 6 at the Marrara Oval and added another 75 runs before being dismissed shortly after the first session. Australia had earlier been bowled out for 198.
Mehedi Hasan Miraz top-scored for Bangladesh's lower order with an unbeaten-looking fighting contribution of 65 runs, helping the Tigers build a substantial advantage.
For Australia, returning pacer Josh Hazlewood was the standout bowler, finishing with 6 wickets for 89 runs. He claimed the final four Bangladeshi wickets.
Hazlewood reached the milestone of 300 Test wickets when he dismissed Mehedi Hasan, completing the feat with his fifth wicket of the innings.
Australia's fielding, however, remained a major concern. During one over, the hosts missed two catches. Steve Smith dropped a relatively straightforward chance offered by Taskin Ahmed at deep backward square leg, denying himself the opportunity to claim a record 219th Test catch.
On the following delivery, Travis Head also failed to complete a difficult one-handed chance while running back from midwicket to dismiss Mehedi Hasan.
With Bangladesh now holding a 228-run lead, Australia face a significant challenge in the second innings. Australia have never won a Test after chasing a target of 200 or more runs, adding further pressure to the hosts.
Bangladesh are playing a Test series in Australia for the first time in 23 years. The second and final Test of the series will begin on August 22 in Mackay, Queensland.
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