Bangladesh moved closer to a historic Test victory in Australia after Australia slumped to 161-4 at stumps on day three of the first Test in Darwin, still 67 runs behind. Cameron Green (43 not out) and Alex Carey (19 not out) stabilized the innings, but Australia faces a daunting task to erase the deficit and build a competitive total.

Bangladesh could secure an innings victory by taking six more wickets quickly, which would mark their first Test win on Australian soil and a significant milestone in their cricket history. Mehidy Hasan Miraz played a pivotal role, scoring 65 and taking six wickets, including his 300th Test wicket, making him the fourth member of Australia’s 'Big Four' bowling attack to reach the milestone. His dismissal of Steve Smith (44) late in the day shifted momentum firmly in Bangladesh’s favor.

Josh Hazlewood also contributed with 6-89, becoming the ninth Australian to achieve 300 Test wickets. Australia’s collapse began early, losing both openers cheaply as Bangladesh tightened control at Marrara Stadium. Travis Head (17) and Jake Weatherald (0) failed to capitalize, while Bangladesh’s tailend partnership extended their lead beyond 200 runs. Steve Smith’s struggles, including dropped catches and a key dismissal by Mehidy, further hampered Australia’s chances. The largest first-innings deficit Australia have overcome at home is 206 runs, achieved against Pakistan in 2010.

Mehidy shared crucial partnerships of 46 with Hasan Mahmud, 18 with Taijul Islam, and 46 with Taskin Ahmed before his dismissal. Australia’s hopes rested on Smith, but his dismissal left them 122-4 and 106 runs behind. Bangladesh’s dominance was sealed by disciplined bowling and exploiting Australia’s errors, including three dropped catches.