AUS vs BAN 2026: Litton Das Added To Bangladesh Squad, Wicketkeeper-Batter To Be Available For 2nd Test
Litton Das has recovered from a calf injury but will miss Bangladesh's first Test against Australia in Darwin, set to join the squad for the second match in Mackay. The wicketkeeper-batter's anticipated return for the latter part of the two-match ICC World Test Championship series will significantly boost the Tigers' batting lineup against a formidable.
Bangladesh's preparations for their highly anticipated Test series against Australia have seen a crucial update regarding star wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das. While the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed on Saturday, August 1, 2026, that Das has made a quicker-than-expected recovery from a calf injury that had sidelined him for nearly six weeks, he will not be available for the opening Test in Darwin. Instead, he is expected to join the squad for the second Test. AUS vs BAN 2026: Bangladesh Announce Squad For 1st Test; Soumya Sarkar Recalled, Litton Das Misses Out.
Das, 31, sustained a left calf muscle injury during the third One Day International against Australia on June 14, 2026, which led to him missing Bangladesh's subsequent T20I fixtures against Australia and the tour of Zimbabwe. His initial prognosis suggested a potential return for the second Test, and intensive rehabilitation has kept him on track for that timeline.
"Following positive progress in his recovery from a left calf injury, Litton Kumar Das has been included in Bangladesh's squad for the series and is expected to be available for the second Test against Australia, starting on August 22 in Mackay," the BCB stated, clarifying his availability for the latter part of the tour.
Series Overview and Schedule
The two-match Test series is a crucial part of the ICC World Test Championship (2025-27) cycle. This marks Bangladesh's first Test tour of Australia in 23 years, with the Tigers aiming to challenge Australia's historically dominant head-to-head record. AUS vs BAN 2026: Pacer Nahid Rana Out of Bangladesh vs Australia Test Series.
| Match | Dates | Venue | Start Time (BST) | Start Time (Local) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | Aug 13-17, 2026 | Marrara Cricket Ground, Darwin | 6:30 AM UTC+6 | 10:00 AM ACST (UTC+9:30) |
| 2nd Test | Aug 22-26, 2026 | Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay | 6:00 AM UTC+6 | 10:00 AM AEST (UTC+10) |
Squads
Bangladesh Squad (for 1st Test):
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain)
- Soumya Sarkar
- Shadman Islam
- Tanzid Hasan Tamim
- Mominul Haque Showrab
- 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
Australia Squad (for Test series):
- Pat Cummins (Captain)
- Travis Head
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steven Smith
- Jake Weatherald
- Cameron Green
- Beau Webster
- Alex Carey
- Josh Inglis
- Scott Boland
- Josh Hazlewood
- Nathan Lyon
- Mitchell Starc
Litton Das: A Key Return
Litton Das, a right-handed wicketkeeper-batter, debuted for Bangladesh in 2015 and has since become a vital component across all formats. With over 2,400 runs and three centuries in Test cricket, his experience and ability to stabilize the innings will be crucial against a formidable Australian bowling attack. His recent form includes a 58-run knock against Australia in an ODI on June 14, 2026, just before his injury.
While Litton Das will miss the opening encounter, his anticipated return for the second Test injects crucial experience and batting prowess into the Bangladesh lineup. His presence will be vital as the Tigers look to make a strong statement in their first Test appearance on Australian soil in over two decades, particularly with ICC World Test Championship points at stake.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 01, 2026 05:05 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
