Shanto Confident Bangladesh Pace Attack Can Challenge Australia in Test Series

July 30: Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto believes his team's fast bowlers have the quality to trouble Australia despite the absence of injured pace spearhead Nahid Rana ahead of the two-Test series beginning on August 13.

Speaking before the team's departure, Shanto expressed confidence that Bangladesh possess the bowling resources required to claim 20 wickets in Australian conditions.

Pace attack backed despite Rana's absence

While Nahid Rana's injury is a setback, Shanto insisted Bangladesh have enough experience in their bowling unit to remain competitive."I have full faith in the team going to Australia," Shanto said. "We have the bowlers to take 20 wickets, especially in Australian conditions. Along with two experienced spinners, our pace attack has enough quality. Everyone except Musfik Hasan has plenty of experience, and I believe they can give Australia a tough time."

Taskin Ahmed is expected to lead Bangladesh's pace attack during the tour.

Rare opportunity to play Test cricket in Australia

The upcoming series marks Bangladesh's first Test tour of Australia in 23 years, with several former greats, including Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan, never having played a Test there.

Shanto described the tour as a special opportunity and hopes strong performances will encourage more future Test assignments in Australia."We're fortunate to get this opportunity. I hope we play good cricket, compete hard and earn the respect that brings us back here more regularly."

Australia naming strongest squad welcomed

Rather than viewing Australia's full-strength squad as a challenge, Shanto believes it reflects the progress Bangladesh have made in Test cricket.

He said the decision to include Australia's leading fast bowlers shows the visitors are no longer being underestimated."I liked the fact that they've selected their strongest team. They're taking us seriously, and I think we've earned that respect."

Shanto added that Bangladesh's batters are excited by the opportunity to test themselves against one of the world's premier bowling attacks.

Focus remains on improving the top order

Bangladesh's opening combination continues to attract attention, particularly after Soumya Sarkar earned a recall due to a lack of alternatives.

Shanto acknowledged the inconsistency but defended his openers, describing the role as one of the toughest in Test cricket."Opening the batting is always challenging because you're often facing the new ball in difficult conditions. Our openers are working hard, and if we improve in that area, we'll take another step forward as a Test team."

Building on recent Test progress

Bangladesh head to Australia after significant improvement in the longest format, including a 2-0 Test series victory over Pakistan earlier this year that lifted them to fourth place in the World Test Championship standings.

The squad will travel to Australia on Friday, with a warm-up match in Darwin scheduled before the opening Test. Shanto said the objective is to continue the progress made over the past two years."We want to adapt to the conditions quickly. Our Test team is in a good place, and our goal is to keep moving forward rather than take a step back. We're always looking to improve."

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