Darwin, 15 August 2026:
Mehidy Hasan Miraz says Bangladesh must capitalise on its advantage early on Day 4 after his prized wicket of Steve Smith helped leave Australia under pressure in the first Test in Darwin.
Australia reached stumps Saturday at 161-4 in its second innings, still 67 runs behind Bangladesh after the tourists compiled 426 for a commanding 228-run first-innings lead.
Cameron Green was unbeaten on 43 and Alex Carey on 19, leaving Bangladesh needing early wickets Sunday to strengthen its push for a memorable test victory in Australia.
“We have to prepare for the first session. The first session is very important,” Mehidy said after play. “If we get two or three wickets, they are under pressure.”
Mehidy contributed significantly with both bat and ball on the third day. He made 65 as Bangladesh stretched its first innings from an overnight 351-6 to 426 before later removing Smith for 44.
Smith’s dismissal at 122-4 was particularly significant. The former Australia captain pushed a delivery back toward Mehidy, who completed a sharp return catch.
“That was a great moment for me,” Mehidy said. “I think he is a great player. He is a great batsman in the world. If we are getting a wicket, it is a great moment for myself as well.”
Mehidy said Bangladesh’s plan against Smith was built around patience and restricting his scoring opportunities.
“I just keep my simple plan,” he said. “I’m not giving him many scoring options. I just try to bowl in the good area all the time. Change the line and length.”
Mehidy finished the day with 1-20 from 13 overs, including four maidens. Hasan Mahmud took 2-33 and Taijul Islam had 1-28.
Bangladesh’s bowlers have had to remain patient on a Darwin surface Mehidy said was offering limited assistance to the spinners.
“If we can contain the runs, there is a chance for a wicket,” he said.
The all-rounder said Bangladesh’s preparation before the series had given the team confidence it could compete with Australia in unfamiliar conditions.
“We have to believe that we can do better,” Mehidy said. “We played the practice match really well. We are more confident.”
But he cautioned against looking too far ahead with two days remaining.
“We are not thinking about the future, but we think about the present,” Mehidy said. “Probably we have to get them out as soon as possible.”
For Bangladesh, the equation entering Day 4 remains simple.
“It’s not over yet,” Mehidy said. “We have two more days.”
