By Bilal Ahmed
Bangladesh has announced its squad for the upcoming Test series against Australia, featuring the return of Soumya Sarkar. This marks Sarkar’s first appearance in the format since 2021. The team will be led by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, as Bangladesh prepares for its first Test match in Australia since 2003.
The series holds significance as it will contribute to the ICC World Test Championship (2025-27) points. Australia, the 2023 champions, has already named a strong squad for the contests. The Bangladesh batting line-up includes experienced players such as Mushfiqur Rahim, Mominul Haque, and Shadman Islam, alongside Sarkar and Shanto.
Squad and Preparations
The Bangladesh squad for the first Test includes a mix of experienced and emerging players. The pace attack, which has faced injury challenges, will rely on Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed, and Ebadot Hossain. Additionally, uncapped player Musfik Hasan has been included in the squad. The spin department will be spearheaded by Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam.
The full squad for the first Test is: 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, and Musfik Hasan.
Before the main series, Bangladesh will face a Cricket Australia XI in a three-day red-ball warm-up fixture. This match is scheduled to begin on August 6 at the Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin. Both sides have agreed to a 13-a-side contest, which means it will not hold first-class status.
The Cricket Australia XI squad features top-order batters Sam Konstas, Campbell Kellaway, and Kurtis Patterson. Other players in the CA XI squad include Campbell Thompson, Corey Rocchiccioli, Hanno Jacobs, Jake Doran, Jerrssis Wadia, Josh Philippe, Teague Wyllie, Tom Menzies, Tom Rogers, Xavier Crone, and Noah McFadyen. Josh Philippe, Sam Konstas, and Kurtis Patterson bring senior international experience to the squad.
Sonya Thompson, Cricket Australia’s head of national development, stated that the match against a strong Bangladesh team will provide players with an opportunity to challenge themselves in a representative environment. Former Australian coach Tim Nielsen will lead the CA XI, with SA’s Steven Crook serving as his assistant.
Upcoming Matches and Player Development
The first Test between Bangladesh and Australia is scheduled from August 13-17 in Darwin, followed by the second Test from August 22-26 in Mackay. Both matches are set to begin at 10am local time.
In parallel with the upcoming series, Cricket Australia is also focusing on developing its spin-bowling talent. A 13-day training camp is underway at the MRF Academy in Chennai, India. This camp aims to bolster the subcontinent experience of young Australian spinners.
Joel Davies, a left-arm spin-bowling allrounder, is attending the camp for the second time, having previously visited in 2023. He is joined by Victorians Doug Warren and Aryan Sharma, as selectors look to build up their stock of spin bowlers. The 12-player touring group will be mentored by Australia A coach Tim Paine and Anthony Clark. The group will engage in training and match opportunities, including two two-day games on August 5-6 and August 10-11.
The MRF Academy program has a history of developing international players, with current Test players Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey having previously attended. Other players participating in the current camp include Hugh Weibgen, Steven Hogan, Jason Sangha, Jayden Goodwin, Jack Sinfield, Lloyd Pope, Raf Macmillan, Riley Kingsell, and Matthew Gilkes. As part of a reciprocal agreement, young Indian quicks Abhishek Moond and Vasudev Prasad Singh have trained with the Australian Test squad in Brisbane.
Source: icc-cricket.com
