Bangladesh Aims to Overcome Challenges in Upcoming Test Series Against Australia

As Bangladesh gears up for their first Test series in Australia in 23 years, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto emphasizes the importance of adapting to the conditions. Despite a recent collapse in a practice match, the team remains optimistic, having recently beaten Australia in an ODI series. With key players like Litton Das expected to contribute, Bangladesh aims to build on their recent successes and face the formidable Australian bowling attack with confidence. The opening Test begins in Darwin, with the second Test scheduled in Mackay later this month.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 12, 2026, 16:11 IST

Bangladesh's Return to Australia After Two Decades

Bangladesh's Test captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, emphasizes the importance of adapting to the extra bounce as his team prepares for a Test series in Australia, their first in 23 years. The opening Test is set to commence in Darwin on Thursday, following a disappointing practice match where they were bowled out for just 54 runs against a Cricket Australia XI.

The last time Bangladesh played a Test in Australia was back in 2003. They will kick off their two-match series at Marrara Stadium. Despite the setback in their warm-up game, Shanto is confident that the team has utilized their time in Darwin effectively to acclimatize to the conditions.

Building Confidence Amidst Setbacks

Shanto remarked, "Handling the bounce is crucial, and we have been practicing on bouncy pitches at home for the past few months. This preparation gives us a better understanding of what to expect here. We arrived 10 to 12 days early for the Test, which has helped us adjust to the bounce. Although Australia has a world-class bowling attack, we see this as a great opportunity to challenge them. We have faced difficulties in practice matches before, but we believe we are well-prepared this time."

He continued, "We are optimistic about playing good cricket. Our batting unit faces numerous challenges, especially against the new ball. Everyone is encouraged to play their natural game and score runs. Consistency and focus will be key, and we need to bat for extended periods."

Positive Outlook Despite Warm-Up Loss

Despite the disappointing warm-up match, Bangladesh has reasons to be hopeful. They recently triumphed over Australia in a home ODI series, winning 2-1, and their Test performance has significantly improved, currently placing them fourth in the World Test Championship standings after a 2-0 series victory against Pakistan in May.

Shanto noted, "The ODI series win against Australia in June has boosted our confidence. It was our first series win against them. Playing on good pitches has also contributed to our confidence. Over the past few years, we have made significant strides in Test cricket, moving from seventh to fourth place in the standings. We still have eight Test matches left, and our team has been improving steadily. If we can enhance our batting further, we will become a formidable team going forward."

Team Updates and Wicket Conditions

Wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das is expected to be available for the opening Test, adding much-needed depth to a batting lineup that has struggled for consistency. Shanto stated, "Litton provides us with batting depth and consistency. We are hopeful that our batting unit will perform well in the Test match."

Shanto also hinted at the possibility of fielding both frontline spinners, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam, alongside three fast bowlers, despite the pace-friendly conditions. He mentioned, "The wicket looks promising. Although we haven't played on a drop-in wicket before, as professional cricketers, we must adapt to these challenges. The preparation has been solid, and I believe we can adjust to the conditions. The wicket has grass, which should benefit both batters and bowlers, potentially leading to good results for our bowlers."

Objectives for the Upcoming Match

Bangladesh's immediate goal is to avoid a repeat of their 54 all-out performance and to remain competitive throughout the Test. Shanto expressed, "We aim to play until the fifth day, taking it session by session. There will always be discussions about our ability to last until the fifth day, but as players, we want to achieve that."

The second Test is scheduled to take place in Mackay from August 22 to 26.

Squads for the Test Series

Australia (Playing XI): Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey(w), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

Bangladesh Squad: Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto(c), Soumya Sarkar, Mushfiqur Rahim, Amite Hasan(w), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed, Litton Das, Taskin Ahmed, Jaker Ali, Ebadot Hossain, Musfik Hasan.