Australia Wins Toss and Elects to Bat Against Bangladesh

In the first Test match in Darwin, Australian captain Pat Cummins opted to bat after winning the toss against Bangladesh. The pitch featured a substantial grass cover and some moisture, raising initial thoughts that it might be more favorable for bowlers, a sentiment echoed by Bangladesh’s captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto.

Australia announced their playing XI a day prior to the match, featuring their key bowlers: Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood. Opening the batting will be Jake Weatherald and Travis Head, with allrounders Cameron Green and Beau Webster also included in the lineup, as Australia aims for a strong start.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, is without in-form pace bowlers Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam for this match; however, Shoriful has been confirmed fit for the second Test in Mackay. The visitors welcomed back wicketkeeper Litton Das, who missed their last match against Zimbabwe due to a calf injury. They opted for Ebadot Hossain as the third seamer, selecting him over Khaled Ahmed, while Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud will share the new ball.

This match marks Bangladesh’s first Test in Australia in 23 years, as they look to capitalize on their recent positive form in the format.

Team Lineups

Australia: 1. Travis Head, 2. Jake Weatherald, 3. Marnus Labuschagne, 4. Steven Smith, 5. Cameron Green, 6. Alex Carey (wk), 7. Beau Webster, 8. Pat Cummins (capt), 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Nathan Lyon, 11. Josh Hazlewood

Bangladesh: 1. Tanzid Hasan, 2. Shadman Islam, 3. Mominul Haque, 4. Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), 5. Mushfiqur Rahim, 6. Litton Das (wk), 7. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 8. Taijul Islam, 9. Taskin Ahmed, 10. Ebadot Hossain, 11. Hasan Mahmud

Special Credits: Image Courtesy of Espn