Najmul Hossain Shanto will lead Bangladesh in their first Test in Australia since 2003. These Tests will carry the all-important ICC World Test Championship (2025-27) points. Australia, who won the title in 2023, have already named a strong squad for the series.
The side features Soumya Sarkar, who last featured in the format in 2021, and has 16 Tests under his belt. Besides Shanto and Sarkar, the batting line-up has experience in Mushfiqur Rahim, Mominual Haque and Shadman Islam.
Rattled by injuries, Bangladesh’s pace attack will rely on Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain. Uncapped Musfik Hasan is also a part of the squad.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam will lead the spin department.
Squad for first Test:
Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Soumya Sarkar, Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan, Mominul Haque, 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
At present, Australia are atop the WTC standings with a point percentage of 87.5, whereas Bangladesh are at the fourth place with a point percentage of 58.33.
Schedule:
First Test, 13-17 August, Darwin
Second Test, 22-26 August, Mackay