Steve Smith top-scored for Australia with a patient 71 off 109 balls, including seven fours and a six, but his innings was also at the centre of a controversial review.
Smith appeared to edge a delivery from Ebadot Hossain, prompting the Bangladesh bowler, wicketkeeper Litton Das and the fielders to appeal. The on-field decision was not out, and Smith initially began walking towards the pavilion. However, a review showed no clear edge on Snicko, allowing the Australian batter to survive.
Smith admitted afterwards that he had been fortunate to escape.
“I think so, yeah. Was I lucky? It seems so, yeah. You’ve got to take it sometimes. Maybe I didn’t nick it. I certainly felt something. If I was given out I was going to walk off. Technology saved me today, I guess,” Smith said at the press conference.
Bangladesh pacers dominate Australia
Bangladesh’s fast bowlers produced a remarkable performance, claiming all 10 Australian wickets.
Hasan Mahmud was the star of the attack, finishing with outstanding figures of 6 for 55. Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain contributed two wickets apiece.
It was only the second time Bangladesh’s fast bowlers had taken all 10 wickets in a Test innings, following their achievement against Pakistan in Rawalpindi in 2024.
Smith said the conditions were particularly challenging early in the innings, with moisture and seam movement making batting difficult.
“It was tricky initially. The wicket was a bit tacky and the ball was seaming quite significantly. I thought they bowled pretty well this morning. It was challenging,” he said.
Smith also suggested the pitch could become difficult to bat on again if it softens overnight.
“The wicket was rock hard yesterday. When we turned up this morning it was a bit tacky, potentially just from the dew. It will be interesting to see tomorrow morning if it is the same. It definitely hardened up as the day went on, but if it softens up I think it will be tricky to bat again,” he added.
