AUS vs BAN 2026: Bangladesh Announce Squad For 1st Test; Soumya Sarkar Recalled, Litton Das Misses Out
Bangladesh has unveiled its 15-member squad for the much-anticipated two-match Test series against Australia, featuring the significant return of all-rounder Soumya Sarkar after a five-year absence. Led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, the squad also welcomes uncapped pacer Musfik Hasan, alongside Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taskin Ahmed, who are returning for this.
Bangladesh have made significant changes to their Test squad, recalling experienced all-rounder Soumya Sarkar for the first time since 2021 as they prepare for a historic two-match series against Australia next month. The 15-member squad, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, also includes uncapped pacer Musfik Hasan, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taskin Ahmed return after being rested for the recent Test against Zimbabwe. The series marks Bangladesh's first Test tour of Australia in 23 years and will be a crucial part of the ICC World Test Championship (2025-2027) cycle. AUS vs BAN 2026: Pacer Nahid Rana Out of Bangladesh vs Australia Test Series.
Squad Changes and Key Inclusions
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed the squad on July 26, 2026, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz named as vice-captain. Left-handed batter Soumya Sarkar, 33, who last played a Test match in February 2021 against West Indies, makes his comeback. Sarkar has played 16 Tests for Bangladesh, scoring 831 runs at an average of 27.7, including a maiden century (149) against New Zealand.
Young fast bowler Musfik Hasan earns his maiden Test call-up, adding a new dimension to the pace attack. Meanwhile, all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz and pace spearhead Taskin Ahmed are back in the fold, providing valuable experience and skill to the touring side. Notable omissions from the squad for the first Test include wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das, while Shoriful Islam and Mustafizur Rahman have also been sidelined.
Bangladesh Squad for First Test vs Australia:
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain)
- Soumya Sarkar
- Shadman Islam
- Tanzid Hasan
- Mominul Haque
- Mushfiqur Rahim
- Amite Hasan
- Jaker Ali Anik
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Vice Captain)
- Taijul Islam
- Taskin Ahmed
- Hasan Mahmud
- Syed Khaled Ahmed
- Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury
- Musfik Hasan
Series Schedule and Venues
The two-match Test series, officially known as the NRMA Insurance Men's Test Series, is set to commence in northern Australia.
| Match | Date | Venue | Start Time (Local) | UTC Start Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | August 13-17 | Marrara Stadium, Darwin | 10:00 AM ACST | 00:30 AM UTC (Aug 13) |
| 2nd Test | August 22-26 | Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay | 10:00 AM AEST | 12:00 AM UTC (Aug 23) |
Bangladesh will depart for Australia on July 31, 2026, and will play a three-day warm-up match against a Cricket Australia XI starting on August 6 before the series opener.
Head-to-Head Record
Historically, Australia has dominated Test encounters against Bangladesh. Out of six Test matches played between the two nations, Australia has won five, while Bangladesh secured a memorable 20-run victory in Mirpur in 2017.
The Tigers will be eager to challenge Australia on their home turf, looking to make a strong statement in the new World Test Championship cycle. The return of experienced players and the infusion of new talent will be key to their aspirations against a formidable Australian side.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 26, 2026 07:18 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).