Under the leadership of Najmul Hossain Shanto, the Bangladeshi test team is all set to face mighty Aussies led by Pat Cummins in the first test of the two-match series in Darwin, beginning Thursday.
Bangladesh whitewashed Pakistan in two test series, home and away, 2-0 in each, and look confident to challenge Australia in their den.
Apart from skipper Shanto, Bangladesh have talented batting lineup comprising Litton Das, experienced campaigner Mushfiqur Rahim, Tanzid Hassan, Mominul Haque, Soumya Sarkar and all-rounder Mehidy Miraz.
In the bowling department, the Asian giants have Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Ebadot Hossain and spinner Taijul Islam. However, they will miss the services of their star bowlers Nahid Rana and Shoriful.
Nahid Rana, a sensational pacer from Bangladesh, will miss both tests in Australia due to a left-side strain. He sustained injury during the second T20I against Zimbabwe and has now been ruled out of the Australia test series.
It is a huge blow to Bangladesh.
Shoriful is expected to be fit to play the second test in Mackay, Australia. He had sustained the hamstring injury during the team’s recent Zimbabwe tour.
The second Test in Mackay, starts on August 13.
Australian bowling lineup will be led by veteran pacer Starc, Hazlewood and skipper Cummins, alongside the wily off-spinner Nathan Lyon.
In the batting department, Australia has Travis Head, Weatherald, Steven Smith, Labuschagne, Webster, Josh Inglis and Cameron Green.
Australia will enjoy the home conditions.
