Tanzid, Shanto shine as Bangladesh extend lead past 150 against Australia

Bangladesh have ended day two of the first Test against Australia in a strong position in Darwin, reaching 351-6 to take a first-innings lead of 153 runs.

Tanzid Hasan’s maiden Test century and skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto’s 84 had put the tourists in control before Australia fought back with the second new ball, taking three wickets for 11 runs after the tea break.

But Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Hasan Mahmud resisted for the remainder of the day, adding an unbeaten 43 from 147 balls to ensure Bangladesh retained the upper hand at stumps on Friday.

Mehidy finished unbeaten on 32 from 73 balls, while Hasan made a patient 13 not out from 76.

There was one final scare for Bangladesh off the last ball of the day.

Mehidy failed to control a cut against a Marnus Labuschagne delivery that bounced more than expected, sending the ball towards Cameron Green.

But Green was unable to hold a low chance, allowing Mehidy to survive and bringing play to a close.

The partnership marked an important recovery after Australia had threatened to transform the match with the second new ball.

Bangladesh were 297-3 when Josh Hazlewood removed Shanto for 84, ending his 66-run partnership with Mushfiqur Rahim.

Mitchell Starc then dismissed Litton Das for a 12-ball duck before removing Mushfiqur as Bangladesh suddenly slipped to 308-6.

Until that burst, the day had belonged almost entirely to the tourists.

Tanzid made 101 from 197 balls, with eight fours and a six, to become the first Bangladesh batter to score a Test century in Australia.

Playing only his second Test, the opener shared 93 with Shanto before falling to Nathan Lyon.

Shanto struck seven fours and a six in his 126-ball 84 as Bangladesh comfortably overhauled Australia’s first-innings total of 198.

Australia briefly found a way back into the contest with the new ball, but Mehidy and Hasan denied them another breakthrough across the final 24 overs.

Bangladesh will begin day three looking to extend a lead already beyond 150.