Mirpur’s Third Day: Australia’s Resilience Shines Amidst Adversity

  

The third day at Mirpur unfolded under the blazing sun, its oppressive heat testing players and amplifying the stakes of a fiercely contested Test. Australia, bruised from Bangladesh’s upper hand, entered the day with a mountain to climb. Yet, true to their reputation, they crafted a stirring comeback, blending strategy with execution to claw back into the game. 

A Morning of Attrition: Bangladesh Tightens the Noose

The day began with promise for Bangladesh. Tamim Iqbal, in sublime form, dictated terms, extending their lead with fluid stroke play. The absence of Josh Hazlewood, who exited clutching his left side after just one over, further bolstered the hosts’ dominance. Cricket Australia later confirmed Hazlewood’s injury as a "sore side," ruling him out of the remainder of the innings—a significant blow to Steve Smith’s already limited arsenal. 

By lunch, Bangladesh were in command, their lead swelling and a target of 300-plus looking imminent. Australia, already fragile from their first-innings debacle, faced a daunting task. Yet, the Australians are a team that thrives in adversity, finding strength in their resourcefulness. 

Post-Lunch Turnaround: Cummins and Lyon Breathe Fire

Steve Smith returned from lunch with a renewed strategy. Knowing that Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan were the linchpins of Bangladesh’s batting, Smith targeted them with precision and aggression. Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon, Australia’s two most potent weapons in the absence of Hazlewood, were tasked with turning the tide. 

Cummins vs. Tamim: A Battle of Wits and Fire

Smith’s approach was methodical. He began with Usman Khawaja’s innocuous deliveries, creating a false sense of security for Tamim. The ploy worked. By the time Cummins returned, Tamim was caught off-guard by a barrage of rib-snorters, delivered with venom and impeccable accuracy. 

The breakthrough came in Cummins’ third over post-lunch. A ferocious short ball reared off the surface, forcing Tamim into a tentative jab. Australia appealed for a faint edge, and while the on-field umpire denied it, the decision was overturned upon review. The ultra-edge confirmed a faint nick, and Tamim’s crucial wicket was secured. 

The dismissal was a masterpiece of planning and execution, a testament to Australia’s ability to strategize under pressure. 

Lyon’s Masterclass: Outthinking Shakib Al Hasan

Shakib Al Hasan strode to the crease with the intent to counterattack, much as he had in the first innings. His initial response was aggressive, flashing at a full delivery from Cummins. Recognizing the pattern, Smith and Lyon devised a trap, exploiting Shakib’s tendency to trust the turn. 

Nathan Lyon, who had struggled for consistency in the first innings, adjusted brilliantly. He varied his length, enticing Shakib to play on instinct. The fifth ball of the 55th over was the coup de grâce—a delivery targeting the middle stump that held its line instead of turning. Shakib, expecting spin, misjudged and lofted a mistimed shot to extra cover, where Cummins gleefully completed the catch. 

Shakib’s dismissal was more than a wicket; it was a psychological blow to Bangladesh. 

Pressure Mounts: Bangladesh’s Fragility Exposed

With Tamim and Shakib gone, Bangladesh’s innings faltered. Cummins and Lyon bowled in tandem, exploiting the conditions and maintaining relentless pressure. While Bangladesh managed to keep the scoreboard ticking, the regular fall of wickets prevented them from building partnerships. 

By the time Bangladesh’s innings ended, they had set Australia a target of 264—a respectable lead but far from the insurmountable mountain they had hoped for at lunch. 

Australia’s Tactical Brilliance: A Day of Redemption

Day 3 highlighted Australia’s hallmark qualities: adaptability, aggression, and mental toughness. Despite the loss of Hazlewood and the oppressive conditions, Smith’s tactical acumen and the bowlers’ precision gave them a foothold in the game. 

Cummins’ spell was fiery and disciplined, a reminder of his prowess as a spearhead. Lyon’s ability to outthink the batsmen showcased his value on spinning tracks, where subtle variations often outweigh raw turn. Together, they turned the tide, bringing Australia back into contention. 

The Road Ahead: Momentum Shifts to Australia

For the first time in this Test, the momentum seemed to favour Australia. Chasing 264 on a track that was starting to offer variable bounce and spin would be no easy task, but Australia’s belief had been rekindled. With two days remaining, the match was poised delicately, a thrilling contest that encapsulated the unpredictable charm of Test cricket. 

Conclusion

Mirpur’s third day will be remembered for Australia’s tenacity in adversity. While Bangladesh still held an advantage, Australia’s fightback set the stage for a captivating finish. Would the visitors’ grit prevail, or would Bangladesh’s spinners weave a web too intricate to escape? The answer lay in the drama yet to unfold. 

Thank You
Faisal Caesar