Miraz focused on getting Australia out ‘as soon as possible’

Mehidy Hasan Miraz says Bangladesh are focused on getting Australia out “as soon as possible” rather than thinking about what target they might face in the fourth innings of the first Test in Darwin.

Bangladesh ended the third day in a commanding position, reducing Australia to 161 for four after taking a 228-run first-innings lead. The hosts still need 67 runs to make Bangladesh bat again, with Cameron Green and Alex Carey unbeaten on 43 and 19 respectively.

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Asked how many runs Bangladesh would want Australia to score before setting a target, Miraz laughed off the question and said the visitors were not looking that far ahead.

“We are not thinking about the future, but we think about the present,” Miraz said after the day's play. 

“We probably have to get them out as soon as possible. They need 74 runs, but still, we are looking for wickets. If we get two or three wickets, they are under pressure.”

Miraz played a key role in Bangladesh's dominant third day. He scored 65 in the first innings before taking the important wicket of Steve Smith for 44 in Australia's second innings.

The off-spinner said Bangladesh's plan against Smith was to keep things simple and restrict his scoring options.

“He’s a great player and a great batsman in the world. If we get his wicket, it’s a great moment for myself as well,” he said.

“I just kept my simple plan. I didn’t give him many scoring options and tried to bowl in the good area all the time.”