Taskin Ahmed Eager to Learn from Australian Pace Attack in Upcoming Test Series

Bangladesh's fast bowler Taskin Ahmed is set to make his Test debut in Australia, expressing excitement about learning from the Australian pace attack. With a recent ODI series victory boosting their confidence, Bangladesh aims to perform well in the upcoming Test series starting August 13. Taskin, who has previously played white-ball cricket in Australia, is eager to engage with legendary bowlers like Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. The series holds significance in the context of the World Test Championship, with both teams vying for crucial points.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 10, 2026, 22:18 IST

Taskin Ahmed's Excitement for First Test in Australia

Bangladesh's fast bowler Taskin Ahmed is set to make his debut in Test cricket on Australian soil and is enthusiastic about gaining insights from the Australian pace trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, along with Scott Boland. He expressed that Australia is his preferred venue for bowling.

The opening Test of the two-match series against Bangladesh is scheduled to commence on August 13 in Darwin. Taskin, who is nearing 300 international wickets, has previously participated in nine white-ball matches in Australia, where he has taken 14 wickets at an average of 26.00. However, this will mark his first experience playing in whites in Australia.

Learning from the Best

In a statement prior to the first Test, Taskin shared his admiration for Australian players, stating, "Since childhood, I have been following the Australian team and its legendary fast bowlers. Now, I have the chance to compete against them, which excites me greatly."

He added, "Australia is my favorite place to bowl. I have been observing Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Scott Boland, who have all performed exceptionally well. If I get the opportunity to converse with them, I certainly will."

Taskin's previous wickets in Australia include six out of his nine wickets taken during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in 2015, which was co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

Boost from Recent ODI Series Victory

Bangladesh enters this Test series following a notable 2-1 ODI series victory against Australia just two months ago. Taskin, who was the second-highest wicket-taker for Bangladesh in that series with five wickets, believes this win has provided the team with a significant morale boost as they prepare for the Test matches starting August 13.

"That series was remarkable for us, especially since the conditions in Mirpur are usually slow and turning, but the last series offered a more balanced pitch," he noted.

"We performed well and secured a win against Australia, which has instilled great confidence in us. However, we recognize that playing at home and away presents different challenges," he added.

World Test Championship Context

Bangladesh's performance in the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle has been promising, as they currently sit fourth in the WTC standings with a percentage of 58.33 after four matches. In contrast, Australia aims to maintain its top position, boasting a percentage of 87.50 as they strive for a spot in next year's ICC World Test Championship Final at The Oval.

Test Series Schedule

First Test: August 13-17, Marrara Stadium, Darwin

Second Test: August 22-26, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay

Squads

Australia Squad:

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, Beau Webster

Bangladesh Squad (First Test):

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