Australia Can Still Win 1st Test Vs Bangladesh, Josh Hazlewood Explains How

Josh Hazlewood explains how Australia can still win 1st Test vs Bangladesh [Source: AFP]

Josh Hazlewood revealed the blueprint for Australia to win the match as they are staring at a possible defeat against Bangladesh in the first Test in Darwin. After conceding a 228-run first innings lead, Australia are struggling at 161 for four, with Alex Carey and Cameron Green holding the fort. 

The Bangladesh bowlers have done an excellent job in Darwin. They managed to break through Australia’s top order and put the pressure back on the hosts. With six wickets still in hand, Australia will need a strong batting performance on Day 4 to turn the match around.

With their ICC World Test Championship (WTC 2025-27) points at stake, Bangladesh will hope to finish the job quickly. However, Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood believes his team still has a clear route to victory.

Josh Hazlewood Explains How Australia Can Win

Notably, Josh Hazlewood has already played a major role in the Test. He became only the ninth Australian bowler to reach 300 Test wickets after taking 6/89 in Bangladesh’s first innings.

After Bangladesh were bowled out for 426, Australia started their 2nd innings 228 runs behind. However, Hasan Mahmud quickly put the hosts under pressure by dismissing Jake Weatherald and Travis Head.

Later, Mehidy Hasan Miraz removed Steve Smith to leave Australia at 161/4. At stumps, Cameron Green was unbeaten on 43, while Alex Carey was on 19.

Despite the pressure, Hazlewood believes the pitch remains good enough for Australia to score runs.

“The pitch is still very good to bat on,” Hazlewood said. “I think the chances are probably slowing the scoring rate and forcing a mistake that way is probably the way to get the wickets.”

Therefore, Australia’s 1st target will be to erase the 67-run deficit. If they can do that without losing many more wickets, they could then look to build a sizeable lead.

Also Read: Travis Head's Weird Act in Disbelief After Hasan Mahmud Outfoxes Him

Australia Need To Bat Deep On Day 4

Josh Hazlewood also explained that Australia’s best chance of winning could depend on how long their batters remain at the crease. “We’re still, I think, 70 behind. Once we tick those off hopefully we’re still four down and we can start to build the pressure,” he added.

Moreover, the Australian pacer believes the pitch could become more difficult to bat on as the match progresses.

“If we can bat deep into tomorrow and potentially even the whole day maybe, there’s always opportunities to take 10 wickets on the final day if the wicket is a little bit up and down,” Hazlewood said.

Bangladesh Eye Historic Test Win In Australia

Bangladesh are chasing history in Darwin. Before this Test, the two teams had met only six times in Test cricket, with Australia winning five of those matches. 

Therefore, a victory in Darwin would be a major achievement for the Tigers, especially as they are still searching for their first Test win in Australia.

For now, Bangladesh have the advantage. However, Australia have enough batting depth and bowling quality to change the game quickly. If Green and Carey can build a strong partnership, the hosts could still put themselves in a winning position. 

Also Read: India Not In Top 2! Teams With Most Test Matches In Cricket History