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Can Australia win a test after falling 200+ runs behind?
Published : Saturday, 15 August, 2026 at 5:53 PM
Observer Online Desk
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Australia face an uphill battle to save or win the Darwin Test after falling 228 runs behind Bangladesh in the first innings, although history shows the hosts have overcome even bigger deficits in the past.
Bangladesh bowled Australia out for 198 before posting a commanding 426 in their first innings. Australia reached 161 for four at stumps on day three, leaving them 67 runs behind Bangladesh with six wickets in hand.
The match is now likely to hinge on how many runs Australia can score in their second innings and the target they set Bangladesh in the fourth innings. Despite Australia's fightback, the hosts remain under significant pressure.
Australia have won a Test three times after trailing by more than 200 runs in the first innings. They have also twice overcome deficits of 228 runs or more. Their biggest comeback came in 1992 against Sri Lanka in Colombo, when Australia recovered from a 291-run first-innings deficit to win by 16 runs.
Australia also overcame a 236-run deficit against South Africa in Durban in 1950, winning the Test by five wickets. However, the more recent record offers Bangladesh encouragement: Australia have not won a Test after trailing by 228 or more runs since 2000.
Their biggest first-innings deficit overcome since then came against Pakistan in Sydney in 2010. Australia trailed by 206 runs before eventually winning the Test by 36 runs.
With Australia still 67 runs behind at the end of day three, Bangladesh remain in the stronger position, but the hosts' history of remarkable comebacks means the Test is far from over.
-HIS
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
