AUS vs BAN 1st Test Day 3: Australia 161/4 at Stumps

DARWIN, Australia — AUS vs BAN 1st Test Day 3:  Australia reached 161/4 at stumps on day three of the first Test against Bangladesh at Marrara Oval on Saturday, August 15, 2026. The hosts remained 67 runs behind Bangladesh’s first-innings total of 426, with Cameron Green unbeaten on 43 and Alex Carey 19 not out after 53 overs.

• Australia finished day three at 161/4, still 67 runs behind Bangladesh.
• Cameron Green made an unbeaten 43 from 86 balls.
• Alex Carey was 19 not out from 50 deliveries at stumps.
• Bangladesh were earlier bowled out for 426 after 138 overs.

Australia reach 161/4 after Bangladesh’s 426

Australia began their second innings after being dismissed for 198 in the opening innings, leaving Bangladesh with a 228-run advantage. Bangladesh then struck early as Jake Weatherald was bowled for a duck by Hasan Mahmud.

Travis Head added 17 before Hasan Mahmud removed him at 37/2. Marnus Labuschagne then scored 31, but Taijul Islam bowled him at 73/3 before Mehidy Hasan Miraz dismissed Steven Smith for 44 at 122/4.

Green and Carey prevented further damage during the closing stages. The pair put together an unbeaten 39-run partnership from 15.4 overs, with Australia scoring 24 runs during the final 10 overs.

Australia second innings scorecard

Extras consisted of four leg-byes and three no-balls. Australia had three reviews remaining, while Bangladesh had two of their three reviews left at the close.

Bangladesh bowling figures

Bangladesh first innings scorecard

Bangladesh established their advantage by making 426 in their first innings. Tanzid Hasan scored 101, becoming the only centurion in the innings, while captain Najmul Hossain Shanto contributed 84. Mehidy Hasan Miraz added 65 after Bangladesh’s middle and lower order extended the total beyond 400.

Bangladesh’s advantage built through a long innings

Bangladesh’s innings lasted 138 overs and featured several substantial contributions. Tanzid Hasan’s 101 came from 197 balls, while Shanto’s 84 was made from 126 deliveries. Mominul Haque narrowly missed a half-century after scoring 49.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s 65 from 154 balls provided another important contribution. Taskin Ahmed remained unbeaten on 14 when Bangladesh were reduced to their final wicket, with Ebadot Hossain dismissed for seven to end the innings at 426.

Australia first innings scorecard

Hasan Mahmud and Hazlewood Lead the Bowling Attacks

Hasan Mahmud was the standout bowler during Australia’s first innings, taking 6/55 from 17 overs. His spell accounted for Weatherald, Head, Cummins, Starc, Smith and Lyon as Australia were restricted to 198.

For Bangladesh’s first innings, Josh Hazlewood produced the most productive spell for Australia, collecting 6/89 from 28 overs. Mitchell Starc took two wickets, while Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon claimed one each.

Fall of Wickets Across the Match

Day-by-Day Match Position

Match Flow and Key Milestones

Match Details

Team Line-ups

Darwin Test Carries Several Unusual Factors

The first Test in Darwin marks the return of Test cricket to the city after a 22-year gap. Bangladesh are also playing a Test in Australia for the first time in 23 years, making the conditions unfamiliar for much of both squads.

The match is being played at the start of Australia’s August sporting calendar, while the venue itself has some distinctive features. The drop-in pitch was transported in two sections before being assembled because of logistical constraints.

Pitch and Weather Conditions

The surface was described in the supplied match preview as hard, with noticeable grass left on top by the curator. Australian players expected the pitch to become quicker as the opening day progressed, creating a demanding examination for Bangladesh’s batters.

There was also rain forecast for Sunday, which is scheduled to be the fourth day. However, the preview indicated that the Northern Territory’s wet season had already ended, reducing expectations that weather would significantly disrupt the Test.

Australia Return to a Full-Strength Core

Australia entered the match with Josh Hazlewood returning for his first Test in a year. Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon were also back in the side after last featuring in the Adelaide Ashes Test.

Scott Boland was left out to make room for Hazlewood, while Cameron Green was selected at No. 5. The position had been particularly successful for Green in Shield cricket, according to Australia’s captain.

“I feel like Greeny’s a good No. 5, so you can try and get funky, but we thought that’s kind of how the team will function the best.”

Hazlewood’s return also carried a personal milestone possibility. He entered the Test five wickets short of 300 Test wickets.

Bangladesh Back Their Spin Combination

Bangladesh’s selection included both Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam, retaining the team’s dual-spin approach. Both had spent time working alongside spin consultant Mushtaq Ahmed during preparation.

Litton Das’ fitness had been a key issue before the match, but he returned to the playing XI. Hasan Mahmud was selected as the third seamer after competing with Khaleed Ahmed for the position.

“There will be a challenge and they have been a brilliant bowling attack, world-class bowling attack. But as a team, it’s a good opportunity to challenge them and accept those challenges. I’m pretty confident that the boys are ready and they will enjoy this challenge.”

The statement was attributed to Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto in the supplied match preview.

What the Match Means for Bangladesh

Bangladesh arrived in Darwin with their World Test Championship hopes still relevant. Their substantial first-innings total has put them in a strong position after three days, although Australia retained enough batting resources to make the remaining stages of the Test significant.

Squads for the Darwin Test

Day Four Setup

Australia will resume with Green and Carey at the crease, with five recognised batters still listed to bat. The immediate target is to erase Bangladesh’s 67-run advantage and then build a defendable position in the remainder of the match.

Bangladesh, meanwhile, need six more Australian wickets to complete the second-innings dismissal. Their attack has already taken 14 wickets in Australia’s two innings, with Hasan Mahmud, Josh Hazlewood and the Bangladesh spinners among the principal contributors to the match’s bowling contest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Australia’s score against Bangladesh after Day 3?

Australia finished day three on 161/4 after 53 overs and were 67 runs behind Bangladesh’s first-innings score of 426.

Who is leading Australia against Bangladesh at the end of Day 3?

Cameron Green was unbeaten on 43 from 86 balls and Alex Carey was unbeaten on 19 from 50 balls when play ended.

What Happens Next

Play will resume on the fourth day with Australia seeking to overcome the deficit and Bangladesh attempting to finish the remaining wickets. The result will depend heavily on whether Australia’s unbeaten pair can extend their partnership and how effectively Bangladesh’s bowlers exploit the conditions at Marrara Oval.

The supplied scorecard records Australia at 161/4 after 53 overs, with Bangladesh holding a 67-run lead at the end of day three.

Praveen Yadav

Praveen Yadav is the Founder and Editor at The Nation Bulletin. With over 3 years of experience in digital journalism and news reporting, he covers national affairs, governance, and breaking current events with a commitment to factual accuracy and verified reporting.