Bangladesh eye victory as Australia trail by 67 runs at day three stumps

Bangladesh remained firmly in control of the Darwin Test against Australia as the hosts finished the third day on 167 for four in their second innings, still 67 runs behind the tourists.

Australia endured another difficult day after being bowled out for just 198 in the first innings. Bangladesh responded with 426, securing a commanding 228-run lead before the hosts began their second innings.

Australia's second innings got off to a shaky start as Bangladesh quick Hasan Mahmud struck twice inside the opening 37 runs. Travis Head was dismissed for 17 before Jack Weatherland followed without adding to the total.

Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne then steadied the innings with a brief partnership, but Taijul Islam broke through at 73, removing Labuschagne for 31 off 59 balls.

Smith subsequently joined Cameron Green, and the pair added 49 for the fourth wicket to ease Australia's immediate concerns. Bangladesh, however, struck again late in the day when Mehidy Hasan Miraz dismissed Smith for 44.

Green and Alex Carey then survived the remaining overs without further damage. Green was unbeaten on 43 from 86 balls, while Carey was 19 not out off 50 deliveries at stumps.

Earlier, Bangladesh's pace attack had dismantled Australia for 198 in the first innings. The visitors then produced a strong batting display, led by an impressive century from Tanzid Hasan Tamim, with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and others making valuable contributions as Bangladesh posted 426.

That gave Bangladesh a substantial 228-run first-innings advantage and put Australia under serious pressure.

With Australia still 67 runs short of wiping out the deficit and six wickets remaining, Bangladesh enter the fourth day in a commanding position. Early wickets could give the tourists a sizeable target to chase and put them within sight of a memorable Test victory in Darwin.