David Warner has buried his subcontinent demons to give Australia the chance to pull off a miracle win over Bangladesh in the first Test in Dhaka.
Set 265 for victory, Warner scored an unbeaten 75 to lift the visitors to 2-109 at stumps on day three.
Skipper Steve Smith, who survived a tight stumping decision from his first ball, reached 25 not out, leaving Australia needing a further 156 runs to pull off an unlikely triumph.
Warner’s struggles on the subcontinent have been a major headache for Australia but he dug deep on Tuesday to produce his second-highest Test score in Asia.
The vice-captain played with aggression and confidence, cracking 11 fours and a six.
If Australia succeed in their imposing run-chase, it will be their second-highest fourth-innings run chase in Asia.
Not since Ricky Ponting guided his team to a target of 307 against Bangladesh in nearby Fatullah in 2006 has Australia scaled such heights in the region.
Perhaps the most treacherous element that stands in Australia’s way is a deteriorating pitch that will only get harder to bat on.
Such a fightback had looked far from likely when Matt Renshaw and Usman Khawaja both fell cheaply.
After playing the spin with confidence during his first-innings of 45, Renshaw looked far less assured the second time around and was trapped lbw by offspinner Mehedi Hasan on five.
Khawaja (one) continued his disastrous return to national duties, lofting a sweep shot to Taijul Islam at deep backward square leg off Shakib Al Hasan’s left-arm spin.
Warner was given a life by a Bangladeshi side that earlier in the day had been deserved favourites to claim their maiden Test victory over Australia.
Warner’s cut shot found his edge but Soumya Sarkar couldn’t secure a tough catch at first slip.
Mehedi was again denied the following over when Imrul Kayes dropped Smith at short leg.
Nathan Lyon earlier spun Australia back into contention with 6-82 as Bangladesh were bowled out for 221 shortly after tea.
The tourists looked in serious trouble after losing Josh Hazlewood to a side injury within the first hour of the morning session.
Hazlewood pulled up sore one ball into his second over and played no further part in the day’s play.
Lyon was the pick of the bowlers, while Agar snared 2-55 and Cummins 1-38.
The pressure is now on Australia’s batsmen to improve on their dismal first-innings performance after being bowled out for 217 on day two.
Defeat would leave them at risk of falling to their lowest-ever Test ranking.
Don Freo
Guest
He took that responsibility. That's a good thing, Matthew.
doogs
Guest
so you think don't praise players when they do well. Interesting approach
Tigerbill44
Roar Guru
Day 4. Another cloudless morning. Blue sky all around. We have been exceptionally lucky with the weather this week. Both sides feel that they can win it. One way or the other it should be over by mid afternoon. Warner and Smith are the key for the Aussies.
Matthew H
Guest
What a way to start the summer! Terrific test match underway. Really happy that Lyon bowled so well and that Warner has scored some runs. Roll on today Aussies. Now... why does Warner deserve so much praise for the way he has batted when he was dropped in the slips? Seems to me like he was a smidge of composure away from being pathetic. Remember that this is a bloke who's name is INKED in to the team indefinitely. This guy has got to wear the responsibility. The way a few scribes seem to hack into blokes who are in-out of the side and then drool over the stalwarts of a non-winning team every time they show a flash of something good makes me vomit.
Jarijari
Guest
If Davey can double his score today, they're well on the way.
Liam
Guest
I think you're doing Nathan Lyon a bit of a disservice here, Michael. I mean, the bloke takes six wickets whilst getting a run-out of a seventh, confining Bangladesh to a gettable total. Warner's bat well up until now, but that's just a byproduct of what happens when you sledge him. I really hope we win this, because it'd be a win almost entirely off Nathan Lyon's back.
Andy Hill
Roar Pro
Warner looked fantastic in the last 15 overs. Hope he comes out tomorrow with the same touch. He was confident and didn't miss a beat. A pleasure to watch.
Tigerbill44
Roar Guru
COME ON TIGERS
Don Freo
Guest
I love Davy! He is such a gritty Aussie. I love it. Whenever the naysayers celebrate a rare failure, he just does it for his country again and again. Smith and Warner are an excellent leadership team. I'd add Boof to that and say, "Chewy on your boot!" to all the "sack 'em all" brigade. This is such a gutsy display after having to go it alone while CA thought they could do without cricketers. How good is The GOAT?