In any other scenario, Josh Hazlewood reaching his 300th Test wicket would have been the primary cause for celebration. This milestone marked a historic first in Test cricket: a team fielding a quartet of bowlers, each boasting over 300 Test victims. It served as a testament to the longevity and cohesion of this elite bowling attack, as well as Hazlewood’s personal resilience in overcoming numerous injuries to maintain his drive at the highest level.
While his teammates celebrated the achievement at Marrara Oval, the moment was tempered by the match situation. Hazlewood’s 300th wicket—dismissing Mehidy Hasan Miraz for 65—arrived in the 134th over of Bangladesh’s innings, his 26th of the match. By then, the visitors had extended their score to 418, establishing a lead well beyond 200 runs. This performance highlighted the sheer dominance of a Bangladesh side that, having not toured Australia in 23 years, was dictating terms to a statistically legendary bowling group.
As Day 4 approaches, Bangladesh remains poised to potentially pull off the greatest coup in Test history. Australia has looked relatively stable in their second innings on a favorable batting surface, though they have already lost four wickets. The hosts may still harbor hopes of a turnaround, particularly if Cameron Green can convert his impressive 43 not out into a substantial score—a performance Australia has long awaited from him.
Conversely, other batters under scrutiny failed to capitalize on the opportunity. Jake Weatherald lasted only three deliveries, appearing overwhelmed by the pressure, while Marnus Labuschagne, despite showing his best form in recent times against the quicks, fell to an innocuous delivery from Taijul Islam. It was another missed chance for Labuschagne to prove his long-term viability as the team’s No. 3, a concern compounded by the challenging 12-month schedule facing the Australian Test side.
Amidst the cynicism surrounding the team, Hazlewood’s return to Test cricket after a year-long absence stands as a vital positive. After missing the entire Ashes series, the 35-year-old’s ability to slot back into the grind of multiple spells in testing Darwin weather is an encouraging sign. His performance reminded the Australian cricket community of his value, dating back to his career debut against India at the Gabba in December 2014.
Mitchell Starc noted the tactical adjustments required to combat Bangladesh’s traditional, attritional approach to Test cricket, which contrasts sharply with the aggressive, high-scoring styles seen in recent seasons. Hazlewood’s accuracy and relentless interrogation of batting techniques proved perfectly suited to this old-school challenge. If he can maintain his physical fitness over the next 12 months, he will remain Pat Cummins’ most reliable option, providing Australia with the stability of a proven anchor in diverse conditions.
Here was a team who had not been to these shores in 23 years dictating terms to statistically the greatest bowling group of all time.
They might even harbour hopes then of turning this match around, especially if Cameron Green can turn his very impressive 43 not out into the kind of score that Australia has been waiting to see from him.
Another wasted opportunity to show the selectors and Australian cricket that he’s still good enough to be their long term No 3.
An ode to the longevity and the togetherness of this first-ballot hall of fame bowling attack.
And also, to the resilience of Hazlewood himself to have been able to come back from so many different injuries, without ever losing his drive to succeed at the Test level despite the setbacks.
It’s not like there was no acknowledgement of Hazlewood and his feat, whether it be around the Marrara Oval or even from his own teammates.
They if anything ran up to their talisman fast bowler and jumped on him straight away as he held up the ball in ceremonial fashion.
And in many ways, even Hazlewood’s momentous achievement in the moment seemed to put Bangladesh’s batting extravaganza in Darwin into greater context.
But that’s simply how dominant they have been across the first three days of the Test.
Weatherald in particular only lasting three deliveries during a manic stay at the crease, where he looked completely overcome by the pressure of the situation.
There were very promising signs of Hazlewood being at his brilliant best at the start of last summer as he harassed the Indian batters in the ODI series in October.
But that turned into his only international cricket output for the home season as he didn’t feature in any of the Tests against England.
After two seasons where it felt like the opposition was prepared to be bowled out quickly till the time they were scoring very quickly.
