(Reuters) - All-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz scored a half-century to push Bangladesh to 417 for eight at lunch and a 219-run first innings lead over Australia on day three of the first test in Darwin on Saturday.
Miraz was 65 not out at the interval, with tailender Taskin Ahmed on 12 on a hot day at Marrara Oval.
Bangladesh resumed in the morning on 351 for six in reply to Australia's first innings 198.
Paceman Josh Hazlewood struck early, trapping Hasan Mahmud lbw for 14 and later had Taijul Islam caught in the gully by Cameron Green for 17.
Miraz and Taskin responded with an unbeaten 39-run partnership to frustrate the hosts through to the lunch-break.
Australia's fielding struggles continued, with two dropped catches in the same over from captain and fast bowler Pat Cummins. Steve Smith dropped a regulation chance at deep backward square leg to remove Taskin and make a record 219th catch in tests. Travis Head then dropped a difficult, one-handed chance running back from midwicket to reprieve Miraz.
Bangladesh are playing their first test series in Australia in 23 years. The second and final test is in Mackay, Queensland, from August 22.