Litton Das Makes Wildcard Entry Into Bangladesh Squad For Australia Tests

Litton Das (Source: AFP)In a significant development, Bangladesh have received a major boost ahead of their much-awaited Test tour of Australia 2026. The experienced batter Litton Das has returned to the squad for the opening Test after recovering from injury.Bangladesh will play a challenging two-match Test series against Australia, beginning on August 13 in Darwin. The upcoming series is a historic one for Bangladesh, as it marks their first Test tour of Australia since 2003.Litton Das Returns After Successful RehabilitationEarlier, Litton Das was left out of Bangladesh’s initial 15-member squad for the first Test after suffering a grade-1 injury to his left calf muscle. The injury had raised concerns over his availability, forcing the selectors to leave him out when the squad was announced on July 26.However, the 31-year-old has made excellent progress during his rehabilitation program. After completing his recovery and clearing the required fitness tests (as per bdcrictime.com), Litton has now been added to the squad for the opening Test in Darwin.It is important to mention that Litton Das will travel to Darwin with the second group of players on Sunday (August 2)."Following positive progress in his recovery from a left calf injury, Litton Kumar Das has been included in Bangladesh's squad for the first Test against Australia, starting on August 13 in Darwin," the BCB said in a statement.Also Read: Litton Das Appointed Bangladesh Captain Before 2027 World CupWhen And How Was Litton Das Injured?Litton Das was injured during the third ODI against Australia at home on June 14.Late June to Early July - Litton’s rehabilitation did not progress as quickly as expected. Because of this, he was unavailable for Bangladesh’s T20I series against Australia. However, on July 8, 2026, Litton was unable to clear the team’s fitness assessment. Following the medical review, he was ruled out of the entire Zimbabwe tour.Mid-July 2026 - During the middle of July, Litton continued his recovery by receiving specialist medical care in both Bangladesh and Singapore.July 25 to 28 - The BCB medical team provided an update on Litton's condition. At that stage, they believed he was unlikely to be available for the first Test in Darwin because he still needed more time to complete his recovery.August 1 - The BCB confirmed that Litton had made faster-than-expected progress. He successfully completed his final fitness tests and received full medical clearance to resume international cricket.Why Litton Das Is An Important Player For Bangladesh?With Litton now available for the series, his return will give Bangladesh the much-awaited experience in the middle order along with wicketkeeping duties. His presence is expected to provide stability to the batting order against Australia’s strong pace attack.Bangladesh's Updated Squad For 1st Test vs Australia: Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Soumya Sarkar, Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Amit Hasan, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vice-captain), Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Mushfik Hasan, Litton DasAlso Read: Who Will Replace Shan Masood? Pakistan Predicted Playing XI vs West Indies 2026 - 2nd Test, PAK Tour Of WI 2026