Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has confirmed that wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das is fit to play in the Test against Australia, although the rest of the side remains a closely guarded secret. Litton came through nets and keeping drills at Marrara Stadium on Wednesday, August 12, and is expected to bat at No. 5 or 6.
Bowling combination hinges on the pitch
Shanto indicated that Bangladesh are leaning towards two spinners and three seamers. The final call will be made only after another look at the surface on the morning of the match.
Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz are the likely spin pairing, with Taskin Ahmed set to spearhead the pace attack. Ebadot Hossain, Hasan Mahmud, Syed Khaled Ahmed and Musfik Hasan are all in the frame for the two remaining seam places.
Ebadot back, Shoriful recovering
Ebadot has rejoined the squad after cutting short his paternity leave, following injuries to Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam. Shanto spoke highly of Ebadot’s recent bowling and said he could make an impact if picked.
Shoriful has now recovered from a hamstring problem and has been cleared to link up with the team before the second Test in Mackay.
Bangladesh squad
Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Soumya Sarkar, Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Amite Hasan, Jaker Ali Anik, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury and Musfik Hasan.
