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Australia and Bangladesh are set to renew their Test rivalry when the two teams meet in the opening Test of their two-match series at Marrara Stadium in Darwin, starting Thursday, August 13. The fixture marks Bangladesh’s first Test tour of Australia since 2003 and Australia’s first Test in Darwin since 2004, adding plenty of historical significance to the contest.
Australia have already confirmed a formidable XI, with Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon returning together for the first time in more than a year. Bangladesh, meanwhile, will hope their experienced core can withstand one of the strongest bowling attacks in world cricket.
Jake Weatherald’s homecoming will be one of the major storylines in Darwin. The left-handed opener, who was born in the Northern Territory, is set to become the first born-and-bred Territorian to play a Test on home soil. However, the occasion comes with considerable pressure, as Weatherald is still trying to establish himself at the top of Australia’s Test order.
Standing in his way will be Taskin Ahmed, Bangladesh’s experienced fast bowler. Taskin will need to make the most of the new ball and test Weatherald’s technique outside the off stump. The Darwin conditions could provide encouragement for seamers, making the opening spell particularly important.
Weatherald’s ability to survive Taskin’s initial challenge could determine whether Australia get the solid start they will expect from their top order.
Travis Head has become one of Australia’s most destructive Test batters, particularly when he is allowed to dictate terms against the bowling attack. His aggressive approach could put Bangladesh under pressure quickly, but the visitors have an intriguing counter in Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
Mehidy enters the Test with confidence after scoring a century in Bangladesh’s warm-up match against the Cricket Australia XI. He will also be expected to play a major role with the ball, particularly if the Darwin surface begins to offer assistance to spin as the game progresses.
The Head-Mehidy contest could therefore be a fascinating battle of contrasting approaches. Head will look to attack the spinner and disrupt Bangladesh’s plans, while Mehidy will aim to vary his pace and trajectory and force the Australian batter into a mistake.
If Mehidy can dismiss Head cheaply, Bangladesh could make a significant early breakthrough. If Head gets on top, however, Australia’s middle order could be set up for another imposing performance.
Perhaps the most important battle for Bangladesh will be between captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mitchell Starc.
Shanto will have to lead from the front with the bat against a pace attack featuring Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood. Bangladesh were dismissed for just 54 in the second innings of their recent warm-up match against the Cricket Australia XI, highlighting the magnitude of the challenge facing their top order.
Starc, meanwhile, returns to Test cricket alongside Cummins and Hazlewood, giving Australia an intimidating left-right combination of pace and movement. His ability to produce a wicket with the new ball could put Bangladesh under immediate pressure.
For Shanto, the key will be patience. He cannot afford to chase deliveries outside his scoring areas, particularly against Starc’s angle from around the wicket. If he can survive the opening spell, his experience could become invaluable in helping Bangladesh establish a competitive first-innings total.
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