23 years after Bangladesh’s first Test tour of Australia, the Tigers are back Down Under, with history set to come full circle at Marrara Stadium in Darwin on Thursday.
The venue holds a special place in the two teams’ history. In 2003, Bangladesh and Australia played the first international match at this ground. Now, more than two decades later, they will return to the same venue, this time to open a two-match Test series.
Bangladesh, however, will enter the series opener without frontline pacer Nahid Rana, who has been ruled out with a Grade-2 side strain. Despite the setback, the Tigers are eyeing a strong start against a star-studded Australian side as they look to showcase the progress they have made in the longest format.
The two sides have met six times in Tests, with Bangladesh winning just once, in Mirpur in 2017. Australia have won the other five encounters.
The visitors are expected to rely heavily on their experienced spin duo of Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam, while Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud are likely to lead the pace attack. Litton Das is also in contention for the opener after recovering from a calf strain. He took part in a fielding session on Tuesday.
The third-seamer position, however, remains a concern. Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain and uncapped Mushfik Hasan are all in the squad, but none made a strong impression in the practice match against a Cricket Australia XI earlier this week. If Bangladesh opt for a batting-heavy XI, Soumya Sarkar could provide a seam-bowling option.
Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Shadman Islam are expected to open, with Mominul Haque, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz likely to occupy the middle and lower order. The final batting spot could come down to Amite Hasan, Soumya Sarkar and Jaker Ali.
Australia, meanwhile, boast a formidable line-up featuring Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Steve Smith and Travis Head. Beau Webster and Cameron Green are also likely to feature, giving the hosts further depth with both bat and ball.
Despite the challenge, Bangladesh fielding coach Ashiqur Rahman believes the Tigers are ready, both mentally and physically.
“Alhamdulillah, our players are mentally prepared to fight in the Test. Cricket is a game played with a round ball. Here, we are preparing both mentally and physically. It will be seen on the field,” Ashiqur told reporters in Darwin on Tuesday.
Bangladesh have used their time in Australia to get accustomed to the conditions, with a four-day practice match in Darwin adding valuable preparation. Ashiqur believes that exposure has helped the players find their feet ahead of the Test.
“It has been very good that we played a practice match here. We have followed up on who is doing well in which area, and in the practice match they fielded very well and took good catches,” he said.
The Tigers’ confidence will nevertheless be tested after their heavy defeat to Zimbabwe in their last Test and a difficult outing against the CA XI. Ashiqur urged the players to leave those results behind.
“I would say it is better to look forward. What happened in the past is the past. Alhamdulillah, let’s see what happens ahead,” he said.
Australia are also taking Bangladesh seriously despite Rana’s absence. Webster described the pacer as a “big out” for the visitors, pointing to the threat posed by his express pace.
“When you take anyone out of the attack that can bowl upwards of 145, like we saw in those one-dayers, he was a real threat,” Webster said.
“Speaking to some of the guys that played in that one-day series, he was a fiery customer and put a lot of pressure on the batters. When you’re missing that out of your attack, it’s definitely going to be tough.”
The Darwin drop-in pitch has also attracted plenty of attention. Northern Territory chief pitch curator Jake Pavlich has indicated that the surface should offer a balanced contest between bat and ball.
“We want a quality pitch where runs can be scored, while bowlers can also get some assistance if they put in the effort. This is not the time for experimentation, so we want a balanced pitch that is genuinely conducive to good cricket,” Pavlich said.
Probable XI
Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Ebadot Hossain
Australia: Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (WK), Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
