Litton Das returns to Bangladesh Test squad for Australia series

Bangladesh have received a timely boost ahead of their two-Test tour of Australia, with wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das returning to the squad after recovering from a calf injury.

Litton had been ruled out of Bangladesh's fixtures in July after suffering a left calf injury during the home ODI series against Australia in June. His absence forced the selectors to leave him out of the original Test squad, which had already been weakened by injuries to fast bowlers Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed on Saturday that the 31-year-old has completed his rehabilitation successfully and will be available for selection for the opening Test."The 31-year-old batsman has been sidelined since June due to the injury, but has responded well to his rehabilitation programme and will be in consideration for selection for the opening Test. He will fly to Darwin on Sunday to join the squad," the BCB said in a statement.

Timely boost for Bangladesh

Litton's return strengthens Bangladesh's batting ahead of a landmark tour that marks their first Test series in Australia in 23 years.

The right-hander was in outstanding form in his previous Test appearance, earning the Player-of-the-Match award against Pakistan in Sylhet after scoring 126 and 69 in Bangladesh's 72-run victory.

Bangladesh will play a three-day warm-up match against a Cricket Australia XI in Darwin from August 6 to 8, before the opening Test begins on August 13. The second Test will be played in Mackay from August 22.

The visitors head into the series after a mixed run in the format. They are fifth in the World Test Championship standings following a 2-0 home series win over Pakistan, although they most recently suffered defeat in a one-off Test against Zimbabwe, a match that was outside the WTC.

Australia, meanwhile, currently lead the World Test Championship table.

Bangladesh squad for Australia Tests

Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Soumya Sarkar, Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Amite Hasan, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vice-capt), Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain, Musfik Hasan, Litton Das.

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