Bangladesh on the Verge of Historic Win Over Australia

Mehidy Hasan Miraz's removal of Steve Smith helped Bangladesh reduce Australia to 161-4 after day three of the first Test in Darwin, bringing them closer to a historic victory.

At the close of Saturday's play, Australia still trailed the visitors by 67 runs in their second innings, with Cameron Green (43) and Alex Carey (19) holding firm at the crease.

After being bowled out for 426 shortly after lunch, Bangladesh's quick bowler Hasan Mahmud shook the hosts by dismissing both openers cheaply. Hasan, who had career-best figures of 6-55 in the first innings, bowled Jake Weatherald (0) and Travis Head (17) in identical fashion, both playing on to their stumps.

On a good surface, Marnus Labuschagne and Smith initially settled the defense. Labuschagne, whose form and position in the side have come under increasing scrutiny, made a fluent 31 before being bowled by left-arm spinner Taijul Islam.

Smith, Australia's usual savior, batted sensibly, but on 122 he pushed forward and edged behind to Mehidy. "The way we have shown character and the way we have played in the last two or three days has been outstanding," said Najmul Hossain Shanto, the tourists' captain, told Fox Sports. "We are taking it one innings at a time, focusing on the process rather than the result."

Earlier, Mehidy inflicted damage with the bat, scoring a crucial half-century in Bangladesh's first innings. After being beaten by Cricket Australia XI in the only practice match, including being bowled for 54 in the second innings, many expected this Test to be a straightforward win for Australia. But the unfancied tourists bowled out the hosts for 198 on the opening day and then showed tremendous resilience with the bat to keep the home side in the field for 138 overs.

Mehidy protected the lower order superbly in the morning to tire out Australia's attack. When he was finally dismissed by Josh Hazlewood for 65 shortly after lunch, he had given his team the upper hand in the middle of the match. Bangladesh are attempting to win their first Test on Australian soil, in their third attempt.

Mehidy Shines to Frustrate Australia

After Bangladesh resumed their innings at 351-6, quick bowler Hazlewood took two wickets in the opening hour to give the hosts hope. But excellent batting from Mehidy allowed Bangladesh to resist Australia's bowlers on a typical hot, humid Darwin morning.

They were aided by some poor catching from Australia, including a baffling drop by Smith. After battling for over an hour in the final session on Friday, Hasan lasted only four overs in the first session on Saturday before being trapped leg before by Hazlewood, adding one run to his overnight 13. Taijul Islam made 17 before becoming Hazlewood's 299th Test wicket when he got a leading edge to Cameron Green at gully.

With Mehidy protecting Taskin, Bangladesh pushed the lead beyond 200 and kept Australia's bowlers working for another two hours. Hazlewood, who was the pick of the attack with 6-89, reached 300 Test wickets when he had Mehidy caught behind by Alex Carey to leave Bangladesh at 418-9. He claimed his 301st when number 11 Ebadot Hossain fell in the same fashion for 7.