Bangladesh: Bangladesh are determined to give Australia a tough fight when the first Test of the two-match series gets underway at Marrara Stadium in Darwin tomorrow (Thursday). The match will begin at 6:30 am Bangladesh time. The Test marks Bangladesh's return to Australia in the longest format after 23 years, with Darwin having previously hosted only two Tests, including Bangladesh's match against Australia in 2003.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, after a 22-year gap, Darwin will host another Test as Bangladesh prepare to face a full-strength Australian side in challenging conditions. Australia has traditionally been one of the toughest destinations for visiting teams, particularly for sides from the subcontinent. India remains the only Asian team to have won a Test series in Australia twice.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto emphasized focusing on quality cricket throughout the match. "As players, we want to play good cricket for five days. We want to play each session by session, which is what we always say," Shanto stated ahead of the Test. He highlighted that every session is crucial and that their focus should remain on playing well, regardless of the match's duration.
Bangladesh has a challenging history against Australia, with only one victory in six Tests-a memorable 20-run win in Mirpur in 2017. They lost the other five, including both Tests during their previous tour of Australia in 2003, three of which were by an innings. Yet, Bangladesh draws confidence from their recent success against Australia, having won a three-match ODI series at home 2-1.
Shanto expressed optimism about the team's current strength and experience compared to the squad that toured Australia in 2003. "Everything was changed since then. We have come a long way. I believe we are a confident side at this moment. I hope the players would prop up their game to give Australia a tough fight," he said. He also noted the hopeful return of wicketkeeper-batter Liton Das for the opening Test after his recovery from injury.
Meanwhile, Australia captain Pat Cummins has announced his playing XI, with Cameron Green and Beau Webster earning spots in the team. Cummins will lead a formidable pace attack featuring Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, alongside veteran spinner Nathan Lyon.
The squads for the series are as follows: Bangladesh includes Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Soumya Sarkar, Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan, 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, Musfik Hasan, and Liton Das. Australia's lineup features Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Beau Webster, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (Captain), Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood.