Australia Still Believe They Can Win as Bangladesh Close in on Historic Victory
Australia ended the third day on 161 for four, still 67 runs behind Bangladesh's imposing first-innings total of 426. With six wickets remaining, the hosts face a difficult challenge—but Australia still believe a victory remains within reach.
At the centre of Australia's fightback is all-rounder Cameron Green, unbeaten on 43, alongside wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey, who was 19 not out at the close. Their unbroken partnership has kept Australia's hopes alive heading into the fourth day.
For Josh Hazlewood, however, the immediate priority is not his own remarkable achievement but Australia's position in the match.
Hazlewood Reaches 300-Wicket Milestone
Hazlewood produced one of the standout individual performances of the match, taking six wickets for 89 runs in Bangladesh's first innings.
In the process, he became only the ninth Australian bowler to take 300 Test wickets, reaching the landmark in his 76th Test.
It was a significant personal milestone, but the veteran fast bowler's attention was firmly on the team's predicament.
Australia were unable to capitalise fully on his six-wicket haul, as Bangladesh recovered strongly to post 426 and establish a substantial first-innings advantage.
Darwin Conditions Test the Bowlers
Hazlewood acknowledged that the conditions at Darwin have made life difficult for the fast bowlers, particularly once the ball becomes older and softer.
Maintaining pressure without conceding runs has proved challenging, and Bangladesh have arguably adapted more effectively to the changing conditions.
The visitors' bowlers then made excellent use of the new ball in Australia's second innings, removing both openers early and immediately putting the home side under pressure.
Australia's top order subsequently struggled to build a substantial response.
Bangladesh Seize the Initiative
Bangladesh's first-innings total of 426 gave them a commanding 228-run lead, and their bowlers carried that momentum into the second innings.
Hasan Mahmud played an important role in unsettling Australia's top order, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz produced the crucial dismissal of Steve Smith for 44. Taijul Islam also struck, removing Marnus Labuschagne for 31.
The dismissals left Australia four wickets down and still behind Bangladesh at the end of the third day.
For the visitors, the equation is now relatively simple: six more Australian wickets would secure a potentially historic Test victory.
Australia Refuse to Give Up
Despite the pressure, Hazlewood believes Australia can still turn the match around.
The immediate objective is to bat through the fourth day, build a substantial lead and then give their bowlers an opportunity to attack Bangladesh on the final day.
That task will begin with Green and Carey, who must first survive the early spell from Bangladesh's bowlers.
If Australia can extend their partnership and move from a deficit into a commanding position, the complexion of the Test could change rapidly.
Hazlewood's assessment is clear: the match is still alive.
A Historic Opportunity for Bangladesh
For Bangladesh, the situation is considerably more encouraging.
They have already produced a commanding first innings, bowled Australia out for 198 and then removed four of the hosts' second-innings batters.
A victory would represent one of the most significant results in Bangladesh's Test history, particularly given the opponent and the venue.
The visitors have already shown that they can withstand Australia's attack and exploit the conditions. Their bowlers now have the opportunity to complete the job.
But Test cricket can change dramatically in a single session.
Fourth Day Could Decide Everything
The fourth morning could prove decisive.
If Green and Carey can survive the opening assault and establish a substantial partnership, Australia may yet rescue the match—and perhaps even create a position from which victory becomes possible.
If Bangladesh strike early, however, Australia's remaining batting could be exposed to sustained pressure.
The visitors need six wickets.
Australia need runs.
And with only 67 runs separating the two sides at the end of the third day, neither team can afford a slow start on the fourth morning.
Bangladesh can see history.
Australia can still see victory.
The Darwin Test is entering its decisive chapter—and the next session could determine which of those two possibilities survives.
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