Bangladesh Playing XI vs Australia, 1st Test | Source- AFP
The Najmul Hossain Shanto-led Bangladesh is on the Australian shores after a massive span of 23 years. Since then, the Asian team has grown from being cubs to the Tigers it is now.
Although the BCB has picked a strong squad for the two-match Test series, Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam (absent for 1st Test) won't be available to pose a threat to the Aussies.
Bangladesh showed initial fight but fizzled out vs CA XI
In the build-up to the Test series, Bangladesh took the field in a three-day practice match against CA XI. The visitors showed some fight in the first innings, thanks to Mehidy Hasan Miraz scoring a majestic century, as the posted 263 runs on the board.
Later, the Aussie side posted 355 runs, with Hasan Mahmud returning with 4 for 42. However, the Tigers toppled like anything in their second innings, losing the plot and getting tossed for 54 runs.
Moreover, the challenge would be tougher for Bangladesh against the mighty Australia.
Nevertheless, as the two power-packed sides are all set to take on each other, let us predict the Bangladesh Playing XI vs Australia for the first Test match at Darwin.
Top Order Batters: Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mominul Haque
Shadman Islam and Tanzid Hasan Tamim are slated to open for Bangladesh Down Under. Although the two batters had starts in the practice game vs CA XI, they weren't able to big those knocks into big ones.
Moreover, an opener's role is always important in Test cricket, and it gets more crucial when facing a side like Australia. Thus, the duo will need to contribute in the BAN Playing XI vs AUS, 1st Test.
Also Read: Australia Playing XI Vs Bangladesh For 1st Test Announced; Ashes Hero Out
The former Bangladesh Test captain Mominul Haque is among the only three Bangladesh players with over 5000 Test runs. He will bat at the number 3 position, making sure that he transitions brilliantly between the top and middle order batters. He will hold a key position in the Bangladesh Playing XI vs Australia in the 1st Test.
Middle Order & All-Rounders: Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz
The AUS vs BAN Tests will be the biggest challenge for Najmul Hossain Shanto in his captaincy career. He scored a promising 37 in the first innings against CA XI, but couldn't convert it into a big knock. However, he will have to bat, as the most talented batter in the Bangladesh Playing XI vs Australia for the first Test.
Mushfiqur Rahim, the most senior statesman in the side, has played the Aussies on various occasions, but the upcoming series will another big milestone in his career. The veteran will look to contribute highly in the challenging series.
Litton Das is coming off a long injury, but Bangladesh captain Shanto has confirmed that the wicketkeeper-batter will be behind the stumps. He will play a crucial role, as he was their top scorer in this decade.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz revived the Bangladesh innings against CA XI with a brilliant century, making him the most followed player by the Aussie media in the BAN Playing XI vs AUS for the 1st Test.
Bowlers: Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed
In the absence of Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam, Bangladesh are left with limited options. Taskin Ahmed will be the leader of the pack, with the speedster playing nine matches in Australia. Although he bagged just two wickets in the practice match, the pacer will enjoy the conditions on offer Down Under.
Taskin has been pretty vocal about how can they perform Down Under.
Hasan Mahmud was the flavour of the day during the CA XI vs BAN game, where he returned with four wickets. Mahmud will be a great assist to Taskin Ahmed in the Bangladesh Playing XI vs Australia for the 1st Test.
Moreover, Khaled Ahmed could be the third seamer in the Bangladesh attack, getting the nod ahead of Ebadot Hossain, as the former might get more assistance with the softer ball.
Taijul Islam will complete Bangladesh's bowling attack for the Darwin Test. Although he won't play the leading role as a left-arm spinner, he will come in handy like he did against South Africa in Gqeberha.
Bangladesh Predicted Playing XI vs Australia- 1st Test, 2026
Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed
Also Read: Big Boost For Bangladesh As Key Pacer Returns For 2nd Test vs Australia
.jpg?type=mq "AUS vs BAN 1st Test: Where To Watch 👀")
