Bangladesh moved within touching distance of a historic Test victory in Darwin as Australia finished the third day on 161 for 4 in their second innings. The hosts still need 67 more runs to avoid an innings defeat, with six wickets remaining.

Bangladesh resumed the day on 351 for 6 and eventually reached 426, securing a massive 228-run first-innings lead over Australia's 198. Mehedi Hasan Miraz was the standout performer, producing a brilliant 65 off 154 balls after coming in at No. 7.

Miraz formed crucial partnerships with the lower order, including a 46-run stand with Taskin Ahmed for the ninth wicket. His intelligent strike rotation and composure under pressure frustrated Australia throughout the morning session.

Australia were handed a couple of opportunities, with Steve Smith dropping a straightforward chance off Taskin and Travis Head unable to hold on to a difficult chance offered by Miraz. Miraz then struck a six off the final ball before lunch to underline Bangladesh's dominance.

His resistance ended in the first over after lunch when Josh Hazlewood dismissed him for 65. Hazlewood then wrapped up Bangladesh's innings after Ebadot Hossain Choudhury briefly entertained the crowd with a huge six off Nathan Lyon.

Hazlewood finished with six wickets and reached 300 Test wickets, becoming only the ninth Australian bowler to achieve the milestone. His return to Test cricket after 13 months was therefore marked by a major personal achievement.

Australia's second innings began poorly. Jake Weatherald was bowled for a duck after attempting a cut off Hasan Mahmud, who then removed the dangerous Travis Head in similar fashion.

Marnus Labuschagne appeared more comfortable than he had in recent matches and began rebuilding alongside Smith. But Taijul Islam ended the partnership by bowling Labuschagne for 31 with a clever combination of pace variation and attacking lengths.

Smith then attempted to build another partnership with Cameron Green. The pair settled quickly on a good batting surface, but Mehedi Hasan Miraz once again provided the breakthrough. After keeping Smith quiet at the crease, Miraz eventually induced a loose shot and took the return catch himself. Smith departed for 44.

Green and Alex Carey managed to survive for almost 16 overs, but Australia still face a huge challenge. Once this partnership is broken, their recognised batting options will be severely limited.

There was at least one significant consolation for Australia. Hazlewood's sixth wicket completed a rare milestone, while Australia also created a unique piece of Test history. They are now the only team in the 150-year history of Test cricket to field four bowlers in the same XI with at least 300 Test wickets each.

For Bangladesh, however, the bigger achievement is their batting performance against one of the most experienced bowling attacks in Test cricket. Their 228-run lead has put them firmly in control.

Bangladesh's third-day hero was undoubtedly Miraz, whose 65-run fighting innings with the lower order gave his team a commanding advantage. He later returned with the ball to remove the crucial wicket of Steve Smith.

Australia need another 67 runs simply to avoid an innings defeat, with six wickets still in hand. The match is not over yet, and the hosts will look to fight back.

But after three dominant days, Bangladesh have every reason to believe that history is within reach in Darwin.