Spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz took the pivotal wicket of Steve Smith as Bangladesh advanced toward a historic first Test victory in Australia. On day three of the first Test in Darwin, Smith was dismissed for 44, chipping a leading edge back to the off-spinner.
Australia finished the day on 161-4, still trailing Bangladesh by 67 runs. Cameron Green remained unbeaten on 43, with Alex Carey on 19, as they worked to save the match for the hosts.
Bangladesh had earlier been dismissed for 426 after adding 75 runs to their overnight score of 351-6. Miraz contributed 65 runs, guiding the lower order as Josh Hazlewood claimed 6-89, including his 300th Test wicket. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto praised his team's character, stating "The way we showed character and played the last two, three days I think is outstanding."
Following Bangladesh's first innings, seamer Hasan Mahmud took two early wickets, dismissing openers Jake Weatherald for a duck and Travis Head for 17. Marnus Labuschagne and Smith formed a partnership before Labuschagne was bowled by Taijul Islam for 31.
Smith's dismissal left Bangladesh confident of securing a maiden Test victory on Australian soil. Australia has never lost a home Test to Bangladesh, with their only previous defeat against the Tigers coming in Mirpur in 2017. This marks the first match of a two-Test series.