Australia resumed day four of the first Test against Bangladesh needing to overturn a 67-run deficit with only six wickets in hand, after Bangladesh closed out their first innings on 426 all out at Marrara Stadium in Darwin. A win for Bangladesh would be their first ever Test victory on Australian soil, a result that seemed almost unthinkable before this match began.
According to ESPN, Australia stood at 161 for 4 at the close of day three, with Steve Smith dismissed late in the session and Cameron Green and Alex Carey both unbeaten at the crease. Bangladesh's bowlers need just one more breakthrough to swing momentum firmly back in their favour and threaten Australia's hopes of saving the match.
Why is Bangladesh in such a strong position?
Bangladesh's dominance stems largely from a disciplined bowling display and a resilient batting effort earlier in the match. Hasan Mahmud took 6 for 55 to spearhead Bangladesh's bowling attack, according to ESPN, while the top order was built around a century from Tanzid Hasan, who scored 101, and a supporting innings of 84 from Najmul Hossain Shanto.
Australia's collapse to 198 all out in their first innings marked their lowest-ever Test total against Bangladesh, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. That total came after Australia chose to bat first, a decision that appeared to backfire almost immediately as Hasan Mahmud tore through the top order, according to a news agency report.
What does Australia need to do to save the match?
On the pitch itself, conditions have not been especially demanding for batters, and the calibre of Australia's remaining order gives them a genuine chance to close the gap or even push for a competitive total. Even so, Bangladesh's bowlers only need to remove Green or Carey with the new ball to reopen the innings and put further pressure on the players still to come.
Bangladesh had already signalled their intent by day two, when they reached 351 for 6 and led by 153 runs on the back of Tanzid Hasan's maiden Test century, according to the Associated Press. That platform ultimately allowed them to post 426 and take control of the contest heading into the final two days.
What happens next?
Day four continues on 16 August 2026 at Marrara Stadium, with the Test scheduled to run into a fifth day, 17 August 2026, should the match not be settled sooner, according to ESPN's match centre.
Key Facts
- Australia resumed day four at 161 for 4, trailing by 67 runs, with Cameron Green and Alex Carey unbeaten.
- Bangladesh were bowled out for 426 in their first innings, built on centuries and half-centuries from Tanzid Hasan (101) and Najmul Hossain Shanto (84).
- Hasan Mahmud took 6 for 55 as Australia collapsed to 198 all out, their lowest Test total ever against Bangladesh.
- The Test is being played at Marrara Stadium in Darwin, scheduled from 13 to 17 August 2026.
- A Bangladesh win would be their first-ever Test victory on Australian soil.
