Australia v Bangladesh: first men’s Test, day four – live

Australia entered the fourth day of the first men’s Test against Bangladesh with their innings in a precarious position at 207-7, but a resilient partnership between Cameron Green and Mitchell Starc began to turn the tide.

Green, who had shown glimpses of his potential earlier in the match, accelerated with a boundary off the first ball of the 75th over, driving Taijul Islam through the off side for four. The pair steadily chipped away at the deficit, with Starc contributing crucial runs through cuts and deflections, including a sharp boundary against the same bowler.

Fielding efforts from Bangladesh kept the pressure on, with a diving stop and quick throw preventing an additional run in the 76th over. However, Australia’s lower order continued to grind out singles and twos, edging closer to parity with the second new ball approaching.

By the 80th over, the scores were level at 228-7, setting up a tense final session. Green, who had earlier been bogged down by tight spin bowling, found more scoring opportunities, including a well-placed four through midwicket off Taijul. Starc, meanwhile, played more aggressively, cutting and driving when given the chance.

The partnership reached 243 before three quick wickets fell in the session before lunch, including those of Alex Carey and Mark Webster. Green finished unbeaten on 85, while Starc contributed 14, but the damage had been done—Australia had clawed their way back into the game.