Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has highlighted that the team’s upcoming tour of Australia is not just about chasing victories, but also about demonstrating a competitive performance that can earn them respect and secure more Test opportunities in the future. "Our main goal is to earn respect by playing good cricket there," Shanto said while speaking to the media ahead of the tour. "If we can compete well, Australia will be more likely to invite us for Test series in the future and that’s what we want."
Historical Context and Expectations
This marks Bangladesh’s first-ever Test tour of Australia in 23 years. During this period, several generations of Bangladeshi cricketers, including Tamim Iqbal, completed their international careers without playing a Test in Australia. Despite a Test career spanning over two decades, seasoned campaigner Mushfiqur Rahim is also set to make his first Test appearance on Australian soil. Shanto acknowledged the privilege of leading Bangladesh in Australia but admitted that the team had not consistently played quality Test cricket over the years.
Current Form and Squad
Shanto believes that the growing expectations surrounding the national Test side is a testament to the progress the team has made. Bangladesh recently beat Australia in a three-match ODI series at home, with pace bowler Nahid Rana tormenting the full-strength visiting side. However, Australia has decided to field a full-strength squad for the upcoming Test series, reflecting the growing respect Bangladesh has earned through improved performances in recent years. Shanto admitted that the team would miss injured fast bowler Nahid Rana but emphasized the opportunity for others to step up.
The Bangladesh squad for the first Test includes Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Soumya Sarkar, Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, 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. The squad for the second Test will be announced after assessing the fitness of some players.
