Australia Opt to Bat First Against Bangladesh
News Desk
Darwin: Australia captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat first against Bangladesh in the opening Test in Darwin, setting the stage for a challenging contest as the visitors seek to bounce back from a disappointing recent performance.
The Darwin pitch offered plenty for the bowlers, with a layer of grass and noticeable moisture raising expectations of movement and bounce early in the match. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto appeared comfortable with the decision, with his side hoping to make better use of favourable bowling conditions after being dismissed for just 54 in their previous Test.
Australia have fielded their strongest bowling attack, with Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon leading the charge. The quartet face a demanding period with a busy year ahead, while Cameron Green and Beau Webster add further all-round strength to the home side.
At the top of the Australian order, Travis Head and debutant Jake Weatherald were named as the opening pair, followed by Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith. Alex Carey will take the gloves, with Webster, Cummins, Starc, Lyon and Hazlewood completing the XI.
Bangladesh have made changes of their own, with fast bowlers Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam unavailable for the opening match. Shoriful, however, is expected to return for the second Test in Mackay after being declared fit.
Ebadot Hossain has been preferred over Khaled Ahmed as the third seamer, joining Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud in Bangladesh’s pace attack. The return of wicketkeeper Litton Das provides another boost after he missed the team’s previous Test against Zimbabwe because of a calf injury.
The match marks Bangladesh’s first Test on Australian soil in 23 years. With the visitors having shown improved form in recent Tests, they will be aiming to produce a disciplined performance and challenge a formidable Australian side in unfamiliar conditions.
Australia XI: Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
Bangladesh XI: Tanzid Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain, Hasan Mahmud.
