Bangladesh have announced a 15-member squad for the opening Test of their historic two-match series against Australia, with uncapped fast bowler Musfik Hasan earning his first national call-up and experienced batter Soumya Sarkar returning to the Test setup after more than five years. The first Test will be played in Darwin from August 13, with Bangladesh forced to make multiple changes because of injuries to key players.
Musfik Hasan handed maiden opportunity after injury setbacks
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has rewarded young pacer Musfik Hasan with his first Test squad selection following injuries to frontline fast bowlers Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam. Both seamers are currently recovering from their respective injuries and have been ruled out of the series opener, creating an opportunity for the promising right-arm pacer.
Musfik’s inclusion is one of the biggest talking points in Bangladesh’s squad announcement as the team looks to strengthen its pace attack against an Australian side expected to exploit the conditions in Darwin. The youngster now has the chance to make his international debut on one of the biggest stages in world cricket.
Bangladesh have also welcomed back experienced fast bowler Taskin Ahmed, who returns after missing the one-off Test against Zimbabwe. His comeback provides a major boost to the visitors, with Taskin expected to lead the pace attack alongside Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain.
Vice-captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz is another notable returnee after sitting out the Zimbabwe Test, adding greater balance to Bangladesh’s bowling attack with his all-round abilities.
Soumya Sarkar returns after more than five years
Perhaps the most surprising inclusion in the squad is Soumya Sarkar, who has earned a recall to Bangladesh’s Test side after an absence of nearly five and a half years. The left-handed batter last represented his country in the longest format against the West Indies in Mirpur in February 2021. Soumya’s return appears to be a tactical move, with the selectors banking on his ability to handle pace and bounce in Australian conditions. His experience and attacking approach could prove valuable on the quicker pitches expected in Darwin.
The squad also features a change behind the stumps. Wicketkeeper Jaker Ali has returned to the Test squad after last featuring during Bangladesh’s tour of Sri Lanka in 2025. His inclusion comes after Litton Das was ruled out of the opening Test because of injury. Amite Hasan has also been named as a wicketkeeping option, giving the team flexibility in the batting order.
Najmul Hossain Shanto to lead Bangladesh in historic Australia series
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto will continue to lead a squad that blends experienced campaigners with fresh faces for Bangladesh’s first Test of the series against Australia. Veteran batters Mushfiqur Rahim and Mominul Haque are expected to shoulder the responsibility in the middle order, while Shadman Islam and Tanzid Hasan provide options at the top.
Bangladesh will also rely heavily on Miraz and left-arm spinner Taijul Islam to complement the pace attack, particularly if conditions begin to assist spin later in the match. With several first-choice players unavailable through injury, the series presents an opportunity for new faces to establish themselves while experienced campaigners look to guide Bangladesh against one of Test cricket’s strongest teams. The opening Test in Darwin promises to be a significant challenge, but it also offers Bangladesh a chance to make a strong statement on Australian soil.
Bangladesh squad for first Test against Australia
Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Soumya Sarkar, Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Amite Hasan (wk), Jaker Ali (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vice-captain), Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain, Musfik Hasan
