Bangladesh have received a timely boost ahead of their two-Test series against Australia, with Litton Das returning to the squad after recovering from a left calf injury. The 31-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, who has been out of action since June, has completed his rehabilitation and has been declared fit to rejoin the national side. According to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Litton will travel to Darwin on Sunday to link up with the squad ahead of the opening Test, which begins on August 13.
Litton available after successful rehabilitation
Litton’s return comes as welcome news for Bangladesh, who have already suffered setbacks in the lead-up to the series. The visitors will be without young fast bowler Nahid Rana, while Shoriful Islam is also unavailable for selection in the first Test because of injury. The experienced batter is now in contention for the series opener after making encouraging progress during his recovery programme.
Historic challenge awaits Bangladesh
The upcoming series marks a significant moment for Bangladesh cricket as the team prepares to play a Test match in Australia for the first time in 23 years. Before the opening Test, Bangladesh will play a three-day warm-up match against a Cricket Australia XI in Darwin from August 6 to 8 to fine-tune their preparations.
The first Test will be played at Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin from August 13 to 17, while the second Test is scheduled for August 22 to 26 at Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay.
Newly appointed ODI captain
Litton’s return comes just days after he was named Bangladesh’s ODI captain, adding another major responsibility to his international career. He replaces Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who led the side from June 2025 before stepping down following Bangladesh’s 2-1 ODI series defeat to Zimbabwe.
Miraz oversaw 20 ODIs during his tenure, winning 10 and losing nine, with Bangladesh securing home series victories over West Indies, Pakistan, Australia and New Zealand. Already serving as Bangladesh’s T20I captain, Litton will now lead the team in the 50-over format as preparations gather pace for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. He has previously captained Bangladesh in seven ODIs, winning three of those matches.
A veteran of 104 One-Day Internationals, Litton has scored 2,869 runs at an average of 30.84, including five centuries and 14 half-centuries.
Bangladesh squad for Australia Tests
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, Musfik Hasan and Litton Das.
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