Bangladesh has unveiled its 15-player squad for the upcoming Test series against Australia, marking the nation’s first Test appearance in Australia in 23 years. The squad features a mix of experienced players and newcomers, with several key players sidelined due to injury.
The touring party includes eight players who have previously featured in international cricket in Australia, including captain Najmul Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mominul Haque. However, nearly half of the squad will experience top-flight cricket Down Under for the first time. The series holds significance as it contributes to the ICC World Test Championship (2025-27) points.
Squad Adjustments and Recalls
Veteran batter Soumya Sarkar has been recalled to the Test squad after an absence of five and a half years from the format. His experience in Australia, where he has played eight international matches, was likely a factor in his inclusion. Soumya Sarkar‘s sole Test hundred was recorded against New Zealand in Hamilton in 2019, and he recently participated in white-ball matches against Australia in Dhaka and Chattogram.
The squad faces challenges due to injuries to three first-choice players. Fast bowlers Nahid Rana, suffering from a side strain, and Shoriful Islam, with a hamstring injury, will miss the series opener in Darwin. Additionally, wicketkeeper Litton Das, who has scored three Test centuries in the past two years, is also out due to injury. In their absence, Jaker Ali Anik has been recalled, having last played international cricket in November.
Taskin Ahmed is set to lead the pace attack for Bangladesh. He returns after missing the team’s most recent Test against Zimbabwe, which resulted in an innings and 85-run defeat in Harare. Vice-captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz also rejoins the squad to strengthen the bowling options. Musfik Hasan, a 23-year-old seamer, could make his international debut, having taken 57 first-class wickets at an average of 22.82. There is some uncertainty regarding the availability of fellow seamer Ebadot Hossain for the Darwin Test due to paternity leave, although he has been named in the squad.
Australian Challenge and Team Preparations
Australia, the 2023 ICC World Test Championship winners, have named a full-strength squad for the two-Test series. This decision has been viewed by Bangladesh captain Najmul Shanto as a recognition of his team’s capabilities. Shanto noted that it is uncommon for teams to field their strongest lineup against Bangladesh, suggesting that Australia is not taking the series lightly.
The Bangladesh squad includes players with varying levels of experience in Australia. While some, like Taskin Ahmed, have played nine internationals in Australia, others, such as spinners Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam, have limited experience there despite their significant international careers. Mehidy Hasan Miraz has played one match in Australia, a T20 against South Africa at the SCG in 2022.
The series will commence with the First Test from August 13-17 at Marrara Stadium in Darwin, followed by the Second Test from August 22-26 at Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay. Both matches are scheduled to start at 10 am local time.
The squad for the First Test is: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Soumya Sarkar, Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mominul Haque Showrab, Mushfiqur Rahim, Amite Hasan, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Vice Captain), Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, and Musfik Hasan.
The Australia squad for the series includes: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, and Beau Webster.
The First Test is scheduled to take place from August 13-17 at Marrara Stadium in Darwin.
Source: cricket.com.au
Priya Nair
Sports Reporter
