Australia faces historic defeat as Bangladesh closes in on first Test victory in Darwin

By Liam Tremblay — 15 August 2026 — 3 min read

Bangladesh is nearing a historic first Test victory against Australia in Darwin, following a strong performance on day three. The visitors secured a crucial wicket of Steve Smith, leaving Australia trailing by 67 runs at the close of play.

Steve Smith, a key batsman for Australia, was dismissed for 44 runs after chipping a leading edge back to spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz. This wicket left Australia at 122-4 in their second innings, intensifying the challenge for the home side.

Bangladesh’s Dominance and Australian Struggles

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh extended their overnight score, adding 75 runs to reach a total of 426. Mehidy Hasan Miraz contributed significantly with 65 runs from 154 balls, guiding the lower order effectively against Australia‘s bowling attack. Josh Hazlewood was a standout bowler for Australia, claiming 6-89, which included his 300th Test wicket.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed satisfaction with his team’s character and play over the past few days. The visitors’ first innings total gave them a substantial lead of 228 runs.

After being dismissed for 426, Bangladesh seamer Hasan Mahmud quickly made an impact, taking both Australian openers cheaply. Jake Weatherald was bowled for 0, and Travis Head for 17, both chopping onto their stumps. Mahmud, who had a career-best of 6-55 in the first innings, continued to trouble the Australian batsmen.

Marnus Labuschagne and Smith attempted to stabilize the innings, but Labuschagne was eventually bowled by Taijul Islam for 31. Smith‘s dismissal for 44 further boosted Bangladesh‘s confidence on the Marrara Oval pitch.

Australia’s Hopes Rest on Green and Carey

Australia‘s hopes of saving the match now largely depend on Cameron Green, who remained unbeaten on 43, and wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who was on 19. The pair managed to see out the day, offering a glimmer of hope for the hosts heading into day four.

Green‘s place in the team had been questioned before the series, but he showed composure alongside Carey. Green also had a moment of fortune when, on 12 runs, an inside edge off Taskin Ahmed hit the outside of the leg stump, but the bails remained in place.

The Australian team faces a significant challenge, as they have never lost a home Test to Bangladesh. Their only previous loss to Bangladesh in Test cricket occurred in Mirpur in 2017. This match is the first in a two-Test series.

The largest first-innings deficit Australia has overcome to win a home Test was 206 runs against Pakistan at the SCG in 2010. On that occasion, Michael Hussey scored an unbeaten 134 in the second innings, and Australia bowled Pakistan out for 176 to win by 36 runs. The current deficit of 228 runs presents an even greater hurdle for Australia.

The Australian fielding also saw some challenges, with Travis Head dropping a difficult catch off Mehidy, contributing to five dropped catches by Australia during the innings. Hasan Mahmud, who had a brilliant 6-55 in the first innings, also showed resilience with the bat, defying the bowlers for 92 deliveries.

Bangladesh‘s strong first-innings lead was established by a maiden century from Tanzid Hasan, who scored 101 runs, and an aggressive 84 runs from captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. The visitors are now in a strong position to secure a memorable victory.

Play will resume on day four with Australia still trailing by 67 runs.

Source: bbc.com