Shanto confident Bangladesh can withstand Australia’s pace challenge in Darwin

Bangladesh captain backs his batting group to overcome the bounce as the visitors prepare for their first Test in Australia since 2003

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto believes his team is well prepared to handle the extra bounce and Australia’s formidable pace attack as the two sides prepare for the opening Test in Darwin.

The visitors head into the match after a worrying setback in their practice game, where they were bowled out for just 54 against a Cricket Australia XI. However, Shanto has urged his players to move on from that performance and focus on adapting to the conditions.

Bangladesh are playing a Test in Australia for the first time since 2003, and the captain identified the additional bounce as the biggest challenge his batters will face."Tackling the bounce is the key, but we have been preparing on bouncy wickets at home in the last few months. That gives us a little bit more of an idea. Here, there will be bounce, and we are well prepared having arrived 10 or 12 days before the Test."

New-ball challenge a major concern

Shanto expects Australia's new-ball attack to provide the toughest examination for Bangladesh's batting lineup.

With Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood all available, Australia possess one of the most experienced pace attacks in Test cricket, while Nathan Lyon provides a world-class spin option.

Shanto said Bangladesh's batters would need to remain disciplined and spend long periods at the crease."The challenge will be greater against the new ball. Everyone will play their natural game, try to score runs. We are playing against a top bowling attack. It is important how much consistency and focus we can have. We have to try to bat for longer periods."

Bangladesh likely to play two spinners

Despite the pace-friendly conditions in Darwin, Shanto indicated that Bangladesh could select both frontline spinners, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam, alongside three specialist fast bowlers.

Mehidy strengthened his case for selection with a century in Bangladesh's tour match, while Taijul remains one of the team's most experienced Test bowlers.

Shanto acknowledged that the drop-in surface is unfamiliar territory for Bangladesh but believes the team must adapt quickly."There's grass on the wicket, but it's a good wicket where both batters and bowlers will find help."

Litton Das return boosts Bangladesh

Bangladesh have received a significant boost with Litton Das being declared fit for the opening Test.

Litton missed Bangladesh's recent fixtures because of a calf injury but has recovered in time for the Australia series. His return provides valuable experience and depth to a batting order that has struggled for consistency at the top."Litton gives us batting depth. He is consistent. We are hopeful of our batting unit doing well in the Test match," Shanto said.

Recent progress provides confidence

Bangladesh's preparation has not been entirely negative.

They secured a historic 2-1 ODI series victory over Australia at home in June, while their Test side also produced an impressive 2-0 series win against Pakistan earlier in the year.

Those results have helped Bangladesh climb to fourth in the World Test Championship standings, behind Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.

Shanto believes that improvement is evidence of the progress Bangladesh have made over the past few years."Obviously, if you look at the last two or three years, we are going well in Test cricket. We have improved as a team. We finished seventh in the last cycle, but we are in fourth place now."

Bangladesh aiming to last five days

While the practice-match collapse has raised questions about Bangladesh's ability to cope with Australia's attack, Shanto remains focused on competing throughout the Test.

The captain wants his side to approach the match one session at a time and believes surviving the opening periods will be crucial."We want to play till the fifth day, take it session by session. There will always be discussion about whether we can take it to the fifth day. As players we want to take it to the fifth day."

Bangladesh will also be without their leading fast bowler Nahid Rana, making the challenge even greater. Nevertheless, Shanto remains confident that his team can make Australia work for their wickets.

For Bangladesh, the Darwin Test represents both a major challenge and an opportunity: a chance to measure their recent progress against a full-strength Australian side on one of the toughest stages in Test cricket.

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