Steve Smith analyzed a decision before being dismissed, Marnus Labuschagne appeared desperate and subsequently jinxed, while Josh Hazlewood shone as a rare positive for Australia on a challenging day.

Australia is striving to salvage the first Test as Bangladesh secures crucial early wickets.

Here are the notable events from day three of the inaugural Test match between Australia and Bangladesh.

1. Marnus’s anxious appeal

Marnus Labuschagne is typically confident when it comes to making appeals, yet he seemed hesitant during a recent incident. Following Josh Hazlewood’s vital early wicket of Hasan Mahmud, the Australians, already trailing in the match, were eager to swiftly conclude the Bangladeshi innings. However, tailender Taijul Islam was finding his rhythm and racking up runs with skill. In the 117th over, he struck the ball firmly into the ground and then towards the covers, where Labuschagne executed a commendable diving stop. However, he raised the ball as if he had secured a remarkable catch, but the appeal lacked conviction. Umpire Kumar Dharmasena opted to refer the decision to the third umpire, who confirmed through replays that the ball had indeed bounced before reaching the fielder. This was a desperate and unconvincing moment for the Australian side.

2. Smith’s astonishing drop

In what was a disheartening morning for Australia, this moment stood out as particularly low. Steve Smith, just one catch away from becoming the leading catcher in Test cricket history, positioned himself perfectly under a top edge from Taskin. The Bangladeshi batsman lost sight of the ball while executing a pull shot, and it appeared that Smith was about to carve his name further into the record books. However, the ball slipped through his usually reliable hands, leaving the former captain looking skyward in disbelief. Shortly after, Travis Head had his own chance but, despite the difficulty of the catch while running back, it was the sort of opportunity he has successfully taken before. Australia had to wait until after lunch to dismiss the resilient Bangladeshi tail, who managed to add another 24 runs after those missed chances, extending their lead to a daunting 228 runs.

3. Hazlewood reaches 300 wickets

One bright spot for the Australians amid a gloomy morning was Josh Hazlewood’s performance. Making his return to international cricket after a lengthy absence, Hazlewood showcased impressive fitness and discipline, finishing with figures of 6-89. His fifth wicket, which came from dismissing the talented Mehidy, marked his 300th wicket in Test cricket, making him the ninth Australian to achieve this milestone. After claiming Ebadot Hossain’s wicket to conclude the Bangladeshi innings, he is now just nine wickets shy of Brett Lee’s tally. With Lee (310) and Mitchell Johnson (313) within reach, Hazlewood may also have his sights set on captains Pat Cummins (316) and the legendary DK Lillee (355), though his injury history might make that target challenging. Regardless, Hazlewood’s legacy as one of Australia’s finest fast bowlers is assured.

4. Weatherald’s disappointing return

Scoring just 23 runs, Jake Weatherald was Australia’s second-highest scorer in the first innings, a statistic that holds little weight given the circumstances. Throughout his 37-ball, 56-minute stint at the crease, he appeared anxious and ill-suited to the demands of Test cricket. This made his second innings particularly critical, especially as Australia faced a daunting deficit of over 200 runs. Unfortunately, Weatherald seemed to repeat his earlier mistakes, playing a poorly judged shot outside off stump and getting bowled by Hasan Mahmud. This dismissal raises uncomfortable questions for the Australian selectors as they consider their options ahead of a busy year.

5. Smith requests a review before being given out

Steve Smith had a narrow escape in the first innings, admitting he had edged the ball to Litton Das. Determined not to let a similar incident occur again, he was quick to review a decision when he was adjudged out after an excellent delivery from Ebadot, which appeared to evade his outside edge. Umpire Kumar Dharmasena raised his finger, but Smith, shaking his head, sought a review before the umpire had fully completed his decision. Dharmasena nodded in acknowledgment of Smith’s agitation, but the action came across as somewhat theatrical. However, Smith’s review proved justified, as replays showed the sound was from his bat hitting the ground.

6. Warner’s comments backfire on ‘the Marnus of old’

In need of a substantial score, Marnus Labuschagne began his innings with evident tension, finding it difficult to establish any rhythm. However, he gradually improved, showcasing some elegant drives through the covers and finding stability in his stance. Nevertheless, the pressure of the situation weighed heavily on him.