With hours remaining before Bangladesh end their long wait to face Australia on home turf, the visiting team management has kept its final playing eleven under wraps. While hosts Australia have already announced their starting side, Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto indicated that his team will confirm their lineup on the morning of the match.
The squad suffered a significant setback prior to the tour with fast bowler Nahid Rana ruled out due to injury. Concerns also lingered over the fitness of wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das and senior spinner Taijul Islam. However, both players have recovered in time for the opening fixture, providing a substantial boost to the team’s tactical balance.
Speaking ahead of the match, Shanto confirmed Litton’s complete recovery, noting that his return strengthens the batting lineup’s depth and stability. The captain expressed confidence in the squad’s preparation, while adding that minor injury concerns across the squad prompted the decision to delay the official announcement of the final eleven until toss time.
Based on recent warm-up fixtures and tactical setups from recent Test outings, Bangladesh are expected to field a balanced bowling attack comprising two spinners and three specialist seamers.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam are set to lead the spin department. The pace attack will be spearheaded by Taskin Ahmed, alongside Hasan Mahmud, who impressed by taking four wickets during the warm-up match. The third seam position is likely to go to Khaled Ahmed over Ebadot Hossain. While Ebadot picked up a wicket in the warm-up game, his economy rate exceeded five runs per over, making Khaled the preferred choice given his steady recent form.
At the top of the order, Tanjid Hasan and Sadman Islam look set to open the batting. They will be followed by a experienced middle order featuring Mominul Haque, skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, veteran Mushfiqur Rahim, and Litton Das behind the stumps.
Predicted Bangladesh XI:
Tanjid Hasan, Sadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed.
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