Australia slide towards Darwin defeat as Green fights
Joel Gould |
Bangladesh are on the cusp of handing Australia one of their worst Test defeats in 149 years unless Cameron Green and the bowlers can conjure a miracle in Darwin.
Allrounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz (4-50) bewitched the Australian batters on the fourth day before lunch with his offspin, claiming the wickets of Alex Carey (30), Beau Webster (12) and Pat Cummins (nine).
Allrounder Green (85 not out) was defiant as Australia went to lunch at 7-243, a lead of just 15 runs.
Australia resumed their second innings at 4-161 on Sunday, but soon found themselves in strife.
It was immaculate bowling by Mehidy from around the wicket that undid Carey – floating in, drawing a defensive prod and grazing the edge for Litton Das to do the rest.
Mehidy bowled Webster with an absolute jaffa, a side-spinner that held its line and clattered into off stump. Cummins then propped to short leg as Australia lost their seventh wicket while still trailing by 21 runs.
Green, playing for his spot in the team, drove Hasan Mahmud straight for three to bring up his eighth Test half-century and his first since making 52 in Grenada in July last year.
He drove beautifully and played the ball late, while making use of the crease well against the spinners.
Australia were behind in the first Test from the outset after being bowled out for 198 on the opening day. Bangladesh took control by replying with 426 to put the hosts under pressure.
AAP