Injury-hit Tigers throw a mixed bag for Australia opener

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Sunday announced a 15-member squad for the first of the upcoming two-Test series against Australia, with the returns of Soumya Sarkar and Jaker Ali Anik the standout changes in a squad depleted by injuries.

With key players Litton Das and Nahid Rana ruled out, the Tigers have turned to a mixed bag of replacements for the opening Test in Darwin.

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Nahid's side strain has significantly weakened Bangladesh's pace attack. The selectors have retained Taskin Ahmed alongside Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud, all of whom featured in the one-off Test against Zimbabwe last month. 

Right-arm pacer Musfik Hasan, who received his maiden Test call-up against Afghanistan in 2023 but is yet to make his debut, has been included as the backup fast bowler.

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Litton's injury has opened the door for Jaker's return as a wicketkeeper-batter. He last played a Test against Sri Lanka in Galle in 2025 before a lean run with the bat saw him omitted from the subsequent series against Ireland, Pakistan and the recent one-off Test against Zimbabwe. While his wicketkeeping has clearly weighed in his favour, the selectors will also hope he can rediscover the form he showed in the West Indies at the end of 2024, when his match-winning knocks inspired Bangladesh's first Test victory in the Caribbean since 2009 before they completed a T20I series whitewash.

The BCB, however, said Litton and left-arm seamer Shoriful Islam remain in contention for the second Test, subject to medical clearance.

Soumya is perhaps the most intriguing inclusion, although his domestic form makes a compelling case for his return, either as an opener or in the middle order.

Ahead of last year's National Cricket League (NCL), the left-hander spoke about his desire to establish himself in the longest format.

"I've always wanted to play Tests. When I played earlier, I didn't do badly overall. In some matches, especially against England, Australia, or West Indies on spinning wickets, big scores weren't possible. I fell behind, but I believe I could do better in Tests since the more experience you have, the better chances you have of doing well in this format," he told The Daily Star in an interview last year.

The 33-year-old finished as the leading run-scorer in the previous NCL season, amassing 633 runs at an average of more than 45. His away Test record has also strengthened the selectors' faith, with his career-best score of 149 coming in New Zealand. Soumya has often looked more assured on pitches offering pace and bounce, reflected in his away Test average of over 41. A chance to play in Australia could offer him the opportunity to turn over a new leaf.

Bangladesh have dropped Mahmudul Hasan Joy, while Shadman Islam and Tanzid Hasan Tamim have retained their places.

Although the opening combination could still change, the prospect of fielding at least four left-handers in the top order may be a concern against an Australian pace attack featuring Pat Cummins, Scott Boland and Josh Hazlewood, all of whom have enjoyed considerable success against left-handed batters.

Bangladesh will depart for Darwin on July 31.

Squad for first Test

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, Musfik Hasan.