5.32pm A much better day for Australia with both bat and ball, and they may even feel they edged it, although Bangladesh will also claim the day as theirs.
Bangladesh did well to add 75 runs for their last four wickets in the morning, largely through Mehidy’s 65 and some resistance from the tail. Josh Hazlewood, though, finished with six wickets, crossed the 300-Test-wicket mark, and ensured Bangladesh’s lead was limited to 228.
Hasan Mahmud then gave Bangladesh the perfect start with the new ball by removing both Australian openers, but the hosts’ middle-order engine room finally stepped up. None of Marnus Labuschagne (31) or Steven Smith (44) could convert their starts, but Cameron Green (43*) and Alex Carey (19*) ensured there was no further damage before stumps. It wasn’t a perfect day for Australia by any means, but after their batting woes on day one, this was the sort of response they desperately needed.
At 161 for 4, Australia trail by only 67. If conditions remain good for batting through the first couple of sessions tomorrow, the hosts will back themselves to wipe out the deficit and build a meaningful lead, provided the rest of the line-up can deliver.
Australia’s objective tomorrow will be to give their formidable bowling attack something to defend – all four of Australia’s frontline bowlers now have more than 300 Test wickets. And if they can set Bangladesh any sort of testing fourth-innings target, they will know the visitors could begin to feel the pressure, particularly with the memory of being bowled out for 54 by a Cricket Australia XI only last week still fresh.
Bangladesh remain ahead in the game, but for the first time in this Test, Australia have given them something to think about. Time for both sides to rest and recuperate before a massive day four that comes upon us tomorrow. It’s on that note that we’ll now say goodbye. On behalf of Andrew McGlashan, this is Sreshth Shah saying bye!
JamiL: “Finally Australia gets a session for themselves.”
Jack: “This performance should ring alarm bells in CA head quarters. Still in the match but being outplayed by an opponent who came here losing badly to non WTC team. “
Digvijay : “Green will play the innings of his career to win it for Australia “
ShaileshR: “You feel like Carey and Green have done a decent job here and you realise they’ve just added 30 runs and the score is still 150/4 when they need about 400 to make it a game.”
Shakil Ahmed: “Runs are flowing for AUS, feel like AUS are going to give a big lead before tomorrow lunch, and then Ban will be all out before 4th day stumps” — looks like you have it all drawn out
Devarsh: “Australia have edged the day slightly? Silly. They are effective not for four, big fish gone, still trail my 70 odd, one more wicket and they have webster and bowlers to come. Considering how the pitch has eased out,, Bangladesh has done a brilliant job.” — they are still behind in the game but today was a much better day for them, although I admit the bar was rather low
rais Ahmadzai : “Time for Green and Carey to finish the lead first. I think 130+ could be a challenging target for Bangladesh in the fourth innings. Now, Bangladesh will have to defend against these two.”