Ace batter Steve Smith created a unique Test cricket moment during Australia’s first Test against Bangladesh in Darwin. The former Australia captain took a DRS review before umpire Kumar Dharmasena had even completed his finger-raising signal after Ebadot Hossain appealed for a caught behind.
The visitors remain under pressure after Bangladesh secured a big first-innings lead on Day 2 (Saturday, August 15) of the ongoing match. Australia reached 51/2 at Tea on Day 3 and still trail by 177 runs, leaving them with plenty to do to save the Test. The home team is unlikely to secure the victory in the match.
Quickest DRS of all-time: Steve Smith Takes Review Before Umpire’s Decision
Ebadot Hossain bowled a fuller delivery outside off. Steve Smith went for a big drive but missed, prompting a loud appeal from wicketkeeper Litton Das. Smith immediately signalled for a review, even before umpire Kumar Dharmasena had completed his decision.
The replays showed that Smith’s bat brushed the ground as the ball passed the outside edge. Snicko also showed no spike, allowing the Australia batter to survive the appeal.
Steve Smith was adamant on this one, but what's your take?#DRSChallenge | @westpac | #AUSvBAN pic.twitter.com/tUKmKau36p
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) August 15, 2026
You can't do that - David Warner Reacts to Steve Smith's Review
David Warner questioned Smith’s reaction on Kayo Sports, while Brendon Julian backed the batter’s decision after seeing the replays.
“I just don't like the way that Steve's reacted there. You can't do that,” David Warner said.
“Well, Steve Smith knew straight away that he was not out,” Brendon Julian replied.
“Mind you, in the first innings, he nicked it when he was not out, and he thought he hit it, so it's 50-50. It's one of the quickest reviews I've ever seen, though.”
Warner remained critical of the decision to review so quickly. “I just don't think you can do that!”
Julian then summed up the unusual sequence. “Steve Smith's gone 'No get your finger down. You got it wrong!’”
Bangladesh Stay In Control as Australia Lose Both Openers
Bangladesh continued to dominate the Test after producing a strong first innings. The visitors were bowled out for 426, taking a massive 228-run lead in the first innings. Australia were dismissed for 198 in their first innings.
Tanzid Hasan led Bangladesh’s batting effort with a historic 101. He became the first Bangladeshi batter to score a Test century in Australia. Najmul Hossain Shanto added 84, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz scored a crucial 65 on the third day morning.
Josh Hazlewood was Australia's standout bowler, finishing with 6/89. However, Bangladesh's big first-innings total left Australia with a huge deficit to overcome in the second innings.
Australia also suffered an early setback after the follow-on target was set. Hasan Mahmud dismissed Jake Weatherald for a duck before removing Travis Head. Both openers were dismissed in similar fashion, chopping the ball back onto their stumps.
Smith and Marnus Labuschagne then steadied the innings. At Tea on Day 3, Australia were 51/2 and still trailed Bangladesh by 177 runs, leaving the hosts with plenty of work to do.
