Darwin: Bangladesh extends lead against Australia in first Test
Bangladesh builds commanding lead
Bangladesh has established a significant lead over Australia on day three of the first Test in Darwin. The visitors, known as the Tigers, are pushing for a historic first victory on Australian soil, having thoroughly outplayed the home side in various aspects of the game.
The Tigers began day three with a substantial lead, following an impressive batting performance on day two. Tanzid Hasan Tamim, a 25-year-old player, made history by scoring 101 runs from 197 balls, becoming the first Bangladesh player to achieve a century in Australia. His innings was crucial in setting up Bangladesh‘s strong position. He was supported by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, who contributed 84 runs, Mominul Haque with 49 runs, and Mushfiqur Rahim adding 36 runs. This collective effort saw Bangladesh reach 351 for 6 at stumps on day two.
The Australian team faced a challenging day in the Darwin heat, marked by dropped catches and their pace bowlers struggling against the Bangladesh batsmen at Marrara Cricket Ground. Frustrations were evident, with Mitchell Starc engaging in a confrontation with Mehidy Hasan Miraz after a near-collision mid-pitch, requiring umpires to intervene.
Australia’s struggles continue
Australia‘s difficulties began earlier in the Test when they were bowled out for a first-innings total of 198. Hasan Mahmud was a key performer for Bangladesh, taking 6 wickets for 55 runs. On day two, Bangladesh demonstrated effective batting techniques, accumulating runs with soft hands and quick scoring, which contrasted with Australia‘s performance.
As day three progressed, Bangladesh continued to extend their advantage. At one point, they led by 154 runs. Josh Hazlewood, partnering with captain Pat Cummins, opened the bowling for Australia on day three. Hazlewood, who had figures of 2 wickets for 68 runs from 20 overs, showed early promise with a delivery that caught the inside pad, leading to an appeal for LBW. Although the umpire initially gave it out, a DRS review overturned the decision as the ball was seaming too far and missing leg stump.
Despite the early disappointment, Hazlewood later secured a breakthrough, dismissing Mahmud LBW with a seaming delivery on a leg stump line. This wicket reduced Bangladesh to 354 for 7. Taijul Islam, a left-arm spinner and a veteran of 60 Tests, then joined Miraz at the crease. Taijul quickly made an impact, scoring 10 runs from 11 deliveries, including a boundary off Pat Cummins. Miraz, meanwhile, was on 35 runs, with Taijul on 10 runs, bringing Bangladesh‘s total to 365 for 7.
Impact on Australian players
The ongoing Test is proving to be a significant challenge for Australia, with careers potentially hanging in the balance. Players like Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, and Cameron Green are under pressure to perform. Weatherald, an opener, has an average of 22 runs from his first six Tests and has not surpassed his score of 72 runs from the previous summer. Green, an all-rounder, also had a difficult end to day two, dropping a catch on the final ball.
The conditions in Darwin, particularly the wicket, have been a point of discussion, with some pundits suggesting day three would be the most favourable for batting. This prediction could allow Bangladesh to further consolidate their lead or provide Australia an opportunity to recover when they bat again. The match is set to be a monumental day of Test cricket, with the first ball bowled at 10am ACST / 10.30am AEST.
Source: theguardian.com
