Miraz on fire, but Australia eke out narrow lead

All-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz was on fire as Bangladesh tightened the screws on Australia on Day 4 of the first Test, claiming three wickets in the session to leave the hosts scrambling and the visitors closing in on what would be a historic first-ever Test victory in Australia at Marrara Stadium in Darwin today.

At Lunch, Australia reached 243 for seven, taking a slender 15-run lead. Cameron Green was unbeaten on 85 off 172 deliveries, with Mitchell Starc alongside him on 14 off 26, as the pair put together a 36-run eighth-wicket stand to help Australia erase the first-innings deficit.

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When Australia resumed the day on 161 for four in their second innings, trailing by 67 runs, overnight batters Alex Carey and Green looked to build a partnership and help the hosts regain momentum. Carey was unbeaten on 19, while Green was 43 not out.

However, Miraz had other plans. The off-spinner appeared to be getting sharp turn from the outset after Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto introduced him for the day, and the variation in his deliveries made it increasingly difficult for the Australian batters to settle.

The move paid off soon. A delivery angled into middle and off from round the wicket straightened and took the edge near the top of the bat as Carey played forward. Litton Das took a sharp catch behind the stumps, sending Carey back after a 72-ball 30.

The wicket also broke a 56-run fifth-wicket stand between Carey and Green.

Miraz soon accounted for new batter Beau Webster with another ripper. A straighter delivery beat the outside edge of the right-hander and crashed into the stumps, dismissing Webster for five off 21 balls.

Miraz kept up the pressure, using his variations and sharp off-the-pitch turn to trouble the Australian batters. Even Australia skipper Pat Cummins could not hold out for long.

Cummins lunged forward to defend a wider delivery outside off, but the ball turned into the right-hander, took the inside edge, brushed the pads and flew straight into the hands of Shadman Islam at short leg.

The wicket ended a 14-run stand between Cummins and Green and gave Miraz his fourth wicket of the innings and third of the day.

More importantly, it exposed Australia’s tail, leaving Green as the last recognised batter with Starc joining him at the crease. But the pair managed to frustrate Bangladesh for a while, with Green anchoring the innings and Starc providing valuable support.

Their 36-run eighth-wicket stand helped Australia wipe out the deficit and move into a narrow lead by Lunch, but Bangladesh remained firmly in control of the momentum.

With their tails up, the visitors opted for the new ball as soon as it became available after the 80th over. Bangladesh will now look to wrap up the Australian innings quickly and set themselves a manageable chase for what could be a memorable victory.

Australia, meanwhile, will hope Green can carry on for as long as possible, with Starc continuing to play the supporting role and stretch Bangladesh’s target as much as they can.
 

Miraz turns the screw on Aussies, gets two in quick succession

Inside the first hour of play on Day 4 of the first Test, all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz gave Bangladesh the breakthroughs they needed, dismissing Australia’s Alex Carey and Beau Webster in quick succession at Marrara Stadium in Darwin today.

At the drinks break after the first hour of play, Australia reached 195 for six after 68 overs, still trailing by 33 runs. Overnight batter Cameron Green was unbeaten on 58, and skipper Pat Cummins was not out on one off eight deliveries.

When Australia resumed the day on 161 for four in their second innings, trailing by 67 runs, Carey was unbeaten on 19 while Green was 43 not out. The pair looked to build a partnership and help the hosts regain momentum.

However, Miraz had other plans. The off-spinner appeared to be getting sharp turn from the outset after Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto introduced him for the day.

The move paid off soon. A delivery angled into middle and off from round the wicket straightened and took the edge near the top of the bat as Carey played forward. Litton Das took a sharp catch behind the stumps, sending Carey back after a 72-ball 30.

The wicket also broke a 56-run fifth-wicket stand between Carey and Green.

Miraz soon accounted for the new batter Webster with another ripper. A straighter delivery beat the outside edge of the right-hander and crashed into the stumps, dismissing Webster for five off 21 balls.

Australia now find themselves in deep trouble, scrambling to find answers to Miraz’s off-spin masterclass on a pitch that has begun to offer increasing assistance to the spinners.