Bangladesh began preparations for the two-Test series against Australia with their first training session in Darwin on Monday, as the squad wasted little time settling into local conditions after arriving from Dhaka via Singapore.
Cricket Australia welcomed the visitors with a banner at Darwin Airport displaying details of the upcoming Test series, including the venues and match dates. After completing their journey and taking time to recover from the long trip, the players headed to Marrara Cricket Ground for their opening practice.
Head coach Phil Simmons gathered the squad before training began and spoke to the players before they started their warm-up. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shadman Islam and Taijul Islam listened as the team prepared for the first full session of the tour.
The players then moved into batting, bowling and fielding drills as Bangladesh began adjusting to Australian conditions. Mohammad Ashraful threw balls to Shanto during net practice, while spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed worked closely with batters on their technique. The bowlers also spent extended periods in the nets, with Taskin Ahmed, Khaled Ahmed and Mushfik Hasan completing lengthy spells.
Not every member of the touring party took part in the session because the second group of players had yet to arrive in Australia. However, the coaching staff made full use of the available squad as preparations gathered pace.
Left-arm spinner Taijul expressed satisfaction with both the facilities and the team’s opening session after training.
“We had a good journey. We got a transit stop on the way and managed to rest. Overall, everything went well,” Taijul said.
The experienced spinner added that Bangladesh found everything they needed to prepare properly for the series.
“We’re getting very good facilities here and our preparation is going well. Alhamdulillah, the first day’s training went well. The facilities are excellent. We managed to work on the wicket, fielding, running and everything else we planned. It was a very good session,” he said.
Bangladesh now have more than a week to fine-tune their preparations before the opening Test against Australia begins at Marrara Cricket Ground on 13 August, marking the team’s first Test in Australia since 2003.
