Mehidy Hasan Miraz put Bangladesh in a strong position on the fourth morning in Darwin, taking three wickets as Australia reached 243 for 7 at lunch, a lead of 15.

Australia added 82 runs in 31 overs in the morning session but lost Alex Carey, Beau Webster and captain Pat Cummins.

Cameron Green remained unbeaten on 85, while Mitchell Starc was 14 not out. The pair have added 36 for the eighth wicket.

Miraz has taken four wickets in Australia’s second innings, including all three wickets to fall on Sunday morning. He found sharp turn and bounce from the Darwin surface to trouble Australia’s batters.

Green, who resumed on 43, has been Australia’s main source of resistance. He has faced 151 balls and hit six fours.

Australia began the day on 161 for 4, still 67 runs behind Bangladesh’s first-innings total of 426. Bangladesh had earned that advantage after bowling Australia out for 198 on the opening day. Tanzid Hasan then made his maiden Test century, while Najmul Hossain Shanto scored 84 and Mehidy made 65.

Australia lost four wickets on the third day but Green and Carey held firm to take them to stumps at 161 for 4.

Miraz said at lunch that he had focused on bowling in the right areas rather than constantly searching for wickets.

“I wanted to keep things simple,” Miraz told former Australia fast bowler and commentator Brendon Julian. “There are a lot of footmarks outside off stump, so I tried to bowl there. I didn’t look for a wicket every over. On a pitch like this, discipline is important.”

Asked whether Bangladesh had planned to beat Australia before the Test, Miraz said the team had prepared well and saw the match as a major opportunity.

“We thought this was a great opportunity for us,” he said. “If we can beat them, it will be good for our country and for the players.”