Bangladesh were bowled out for 426, securing a commanding 228-run first-innings lead over Australia in the Darwin Test

Mehidy Hasan Miraz struck a crucial half-century as Bangladesh were bowled out for 426 on the third day of the opening Test against Australia in Darwin on Saturday, securing a 228-run first-innings lead.

After a heavy defeat to a Cricket Australia XI in their only warm-up game, including being dismissed for just 54 in the second innings, Bangladesh were widely expected to struggle against the hosts.

However, the visitors stunned Australia by bowling them out for 198 on the opening day before showing remarkable resilience with the bat, keeping the Australian attack on the field for 138 overs.

Mehidy played a key role in frustrating the tiring Australian bowlers during the morning session, protecting the lower order with a composed innings.

He was eventually dismissed for 65 by Josh Hazlewood shortly after lunch, but not before helping Bangladesh establish a commanding position midway through the match.

Resuming at 351-6, Bangladesh lost two wickets to Hazlewood within the first hour, raising hopes of a quick finish for Australia. But Mehidy's determined batting kept the visitors in control on a hot and humid Darwin morning.

Australia were also let down by some costly dropped catches. Steve Smith missed a straightforward chance while attempting to catch Taskin Ahmed in the deep, while Travis Head later spilled a more difficult opportunity off Mehidy's miscued pull.

Hasan Mahmud, who had survived for more than an hour on Friday evening, lasted only four overs on Saturday before Hazlewood trapped him lbw for 14.

Taijul Islam added a quick 17 before becoming Hazlewood's 299th Test victim, edging a delivery to Cameron Green at gully.

With Mehidy protecting Taskin Ahmed, Bangladesh pushed their lead beyond 200 and continued to make the Australian bowlers work hard.

Hazlewood, the standout bowler with 6-89, completed his 300th Test wicket when Mehidy was caught behind by Alex Carey, leaving Bangladesh 418-9.

He then claimed his 301st wicket by dismissing No. 11 Ebadot Hossain for seven, also caught behind.

Bangladesh are now chasing a historic first-ever Test victory in Australia, having lost their previous two attempts.