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Bangladesh are set to begin a challenging two-Test series against Australia when the first Test gets underway at Marrara Stadium in Darwin on Thursday, August 13. The visitors will be playing their first Test in Australia since 2003, while the contest is also part of the ongoing World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.
Najmul Hossain Shanto will lead a Bangladesh side that combines experienced campaigners with several players looking to establish themselves in Test cricket. The visitors have also had to deal with injuries, with Litton Das and Nahid Rana unavailable for the opening Test. However, Litton was subsequently added to the wider squad after recovering from his calf injury, making the wicketkeeping combination an interesting selection call.
Here is Bangladesh’s predicted playing XI for the opening Test against Australia
Shadman Islam is likely to open the innings. The left-hander has established himself as one of Bangladesh’s preferred Test openers and will have the important task of negotiating Australia’s formidable new-ball attack.
His patience and ability to leave deliveries outside the off stump could be particularly valuable against Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.
Soumya Sarkar could partner Shadman at the top after earning a recall to the Test squad. Soumya last played Test cricket in 2021 but has accumulated significant first-class experience during his absence from the international side.
His left-handed batting also gives Bangladesh a different challenge for Australia’s right-arm pace trio.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto should occupy No. 3. He will arguably be Bangladesh’s most important batter in the series and will need to lead from the front against Australia’s high-quality attack.
Shanto’s ability to build long innings could determine whether Bangladesh can post competitive totals.
Veteran batter Mominul Haque is expected to continue in the middle order. His experience of playing Test cricket in difficult conditions makes him an important member of the side.
Mominul’s ability to absorb pressure will be especially important if Bangladesh lose early wickets.
Mushfiqur Rahim should occupy the No. 5 position. One of Bangladesh’s most experienced Test batters, Mushfiqur will be expected to provide stability and guide the younger members of the batting unit.
His experience against high-quality pace and spin could prove invaluable in Australia.
Jaker Ali is likely to get the nod behind the stumps. He was recalled to the Test setup for this series and has impressed in domestic cricket, including three consecutive fifties for Bangladesh Emerging.
His selection would also add a naturally aggressive option to the lower middle order.
Vice-captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz should be Bangladesh’s key all-rounder. He recently scored a century in the warm-up match against the Cricket Australia XI, giving him valuable confidence ahead of the Test.
His off-spin will also be crucial once the ball gets older, while his batting provides much-needed depth.
Taijul Islam is expected to partner Mehidy as Bangladesh’s second specialist spinner. The left-arm orthodox bowler has extensive Test experience and can be relied upon to bowl long spells.
Although pace could dominate early in Darwin, Taijul’s role could become increasingly important as the match progresses.
Taskin Ahmed should lead the pace attack. After being rested for Bangladesh’s previous Test against Zimbabwe, he returns for the Australia series and will have a major responsibility with the new ball.
His pace and ability to extract bounce could make him Bangladesh’s biggest threat to Australia’s top order.
Hasan Mahmud is likely to be Taskin’s new-ball partner. The right-arm seamer has developed into an important part of Bangladesh’s pace attack and could benefit from Darwin’s conditions.
His ability to bowl hard lengths will be crucial against Australia’s aggressive batters.
Ebadot Hossain could complete the XI as the third specialist seamer. His pace and bounce provide Bangladesh with a different dimension compared to Taskin and Hasan.
If the Darwin surface offers movement, Ebadot could play an important role in Bangladesh’s hopes of making early breakthroughs.
Shadman Islam, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Jaker Ali (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Ebadot Hossain.
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