Australia not taking Bangladesh lightly an achievement: Shanto

Bangladesh Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto believes Australia's decision to name a full-strength squad for the upcoming two-Test series is an achievement in itself for the Tigers, saying it reflects the respect they have earned in the format.

Bangladesh begin the series in Darwin on August 13, marking their first Test tour of Australia since 2003. The hosts have recalled Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon after injury, signalling their intent to field their strongest possible side ahead of major Test assignments against South Africa, India and England later this year.

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"Normally in Bangladesh cricket, I don't think I have seen something like this. Usually, teams tend to experiment when they play against us," Shanto said while attending the boys' and girls' finals of the Notun Kuri Sports cricket event in Mirpur yesterday.

"I would say this is an achievement for our team. They have announced a full-strength squad, which gives us a great opportunity to see how well we can perform. We have already managed to build a good position for ourselves in Test cricket. Looking at their squad, it's clear they haven't taken us lightly."

Bangladesh have won just one of their last five away Test series -- a 2-0 sweep of Pakistan. During that period, they drew 1-1 in the West Indies before losing series in India and Sri Lanka, followed by an innings defeat in the one-off Test against Zimbabwe earlier this month.

The Tigers, however, sit fourth in the ICC World Test Championship standings, thanks to whitewashing Pakistan at home in May.

Bangladesh are also monitoring the fitness of fast bowler Nahid Rana and wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das ahead of the tour.

When asked whether the team management should have been more cautious with Rana during the Zimbabwe Test, Shanto said: "These decisions are taken by the physio, trainer and the management group. They will manage it."

Rana's side strain remains a concern, although sources said the pacer is currently not experiencing significant pain.

"We are concerned because not having him would be a big setback. Even if he is only fit for the second Test, he will be included. We are still waiting for the doctors' assessment," a member of the selection panel told The Daily Star.

With uncertainty surrounding Rana's availability, Bangladesh are keeping Ebadot Hossain as a backup option. The 32-year-old pacer is currently in Italy after initially opting out of the Australia tour for family reasons. Chief selector Habibul Bashar told The Daily Star that if Ebadot returns to the country by July 30 to complete his Australian visa formalities, he could still be included in the squad.

The Tigers are scheduled to leave for Australia on July 31 and will play a four-day tour match against a Cricket Australia XI on August 6 before the opening Test in Darwin. The second Test will begin in Mackay on August 22.