Litton Das returns for Bangladesh's first Test vs Australia in Darwin
Synopsis
Bangladesh's batting just got a shot in the arm — but their bowling crisis deepens. Litton Das is back from a two-month calf injury layoff in time for the Darwin Test, yet the loss of Nahid Rana and Tanzim Hasan Sakib, with Shoriful Islam and Mustafizur Rahman also doubtful, leaves Bangladesh dangerously thin in pace against the reigning World Test Champions.
Key Takeaways
Litton Das has been cleared fit after recovering from a left calf muscle injury sustained in June .
He is set to travel to Darwin on Sunday to join Bangladesh ahead of the first Test on 13 August .
Fast bowlers Nahid Rana and Tanzim Hasan Sakib have been ruled out of the entire series.
The fitness of Shoriful Islam and Mustafizur Rahman remains under assessment.
Najmul Hossain Shanto captains the side; Taskin Ahmed is expected to lead the pace attack.
Bangladesh are placed fourth in the WTC standings with a points percentage of 58.33 .
Wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das has been cleared to play in Bangladesh's opening ICC World Test Championship (WTC) series match against Australia, with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirming on Saturday, 1 August that he has successfully completed rehabilitation from a left calf muscle injury. The 31-year-old, who has been sidelined since June, is scheduled to travel to Darwin on Sunday to join the squad ahead of the first Test beginning 13 August.
Litton's Return Strengthens Bangladesh's Batting
Litton's availability is a significant fillip for Bangladesh's middle order. The newly appointed ODI captain brings experience and reliability behind the stumps at a time when the visitors need stability against the reigning World Test Championship holders. Alongside him, the batting unit features seasoned campaigners Mushfiqur Rahim, Mominul Haque, and Soumya Sarkar.
Pace Bowling Concerns Cloud Bangladesh's Preparations
Bangladesh's bowling department, however, faces a mounting injury crisis. Fast bowlers Nahid Rana and Tanzim Hasan Sakib have been ruled out of the entire series. The fitness of Shoriful Islam and Mustafizur Rahman remains under assessment, leaving the pace attack severely thin. Taskin Ahmed is expected to lead the attack in their absence — a heavy burden for a single frontline seamer against Australia on home soil.
Leadership and Squad Composition
Najmul Hossain Shanto will captain the side, with all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz serving as vice-captain. The full 16-member squad for the first Test includes: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Soumya Sarkar, Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan, Mominul Haque Showrab, 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, and Litton Das.
WTC Context and What Is at Stake
Bangladesh currently sit fourth in the World Test Championship standings with a points percentage of 58.33. A strong performance against Australia — who hold the WTC title — could meaningfully improve their position in the cycle. This is a rare opportunity for Bangladesh to test themselves against the gold standard of Test cricket away from home.
Series Schedule
The first Test is scheduled from 13 to 17 August in Darwin, while the second and final Test takes place from 22 to 26 August in Mackay. Both venues are in Australia's Northern Territory and Queensland respectively, presenting conditions likely to favour pace bowling — making Bangladesh's seam bowling shortfall all the more pressing.
Point of View
But it papers over a more serious structural problem: Bangladesh are walking into a two-Test series against the world's best Test side with a pace attack held together by tape. Losing Nahid Rana and Tanzim Hasan Sakib — two of their more potent seamers — while Shoriful and Mustafizur remain doubtful means Taskin Ahmed is being asked to carry a workload that even a full-strength seam unit would find taxing in Australian conditions. Bangladesh's WTC fourth-place standing flatters a side that has not beaten Australia in Tests away from home. The real question is not whether Litton bats — it is whether Bangladesh have enough bowling to take 20 wickets twice.
NationPress
1 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Litton Das out of Bangladesh's squad?
Litton Das was sidelined since June due to a left calf muscle injury. He has now completed his rehabilitation programme and been declared fit by the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
When and where is the first Bangladesh vs Australia Test in 2025?
The first Test is scheduled from 13 to 17 August in Darwin, Australia. The second and final Test follows from 22 to 26 August in Mackay.
Which Bangladesh bowlers are ruled out of the Australia series?
Fast bowlers Nahid Rana and Tanzim Hasan Sakib have been ruled out of the entire series. The fitness of Shoriful Islam and Mustafizur Rahman is still being assessed.
Who will captain Bangladesh in the first Test against Australia?
Najmul Hossain Shanto will captain Bangladesh, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz serving as vice-captain for the Darwin Test.
Where do Bangladesh stand in the ICC World Test Championship?
Bangladesh are currently placed fourth in the WTC standings with a points percentage of 58.33, and will look to improve that position with a strong showing against Australia.
