Bangladesh begin practice in Australia

Ahead of the Australia tour, the Bangladesh national cricket team has begun their first practice session in Darwin. After the first day's practice, experienced left-arm spinner Taijul Islam said the tour has started positively and the team has been able to prepare well.

Pacer Taskin Ahmed, who had been in Australia earlier for treatment of his long-standing ankle and shoulder injuries, joined the team after consulting a specialist doctor in Perth. In a video released by the BCB, he appeared quite energetic during practice. Although he initially came to the field with two bats in both hands, he later focused on his primary duty of bowling practice.

The Bangladesh team left Dhaka for Australia on July 31. Eight more cricketers left yesterday but have not yet joined the team.

In the first day's practice in Darwin, the cricketers took part in fitness, batting, bowling, fielding and running drills. In a BCB video message, Taijul said the tour was comfortable as they had adequate rest during transit. He said the first day's practice covered wickets, fielding, running and all other activities well, and the team's preparation was satisfactory.

Bangladesh will practice in Darwin until August 5. After that, they will play a three-day practice match against Cricket Australia XI. After that match, the touring side will have two more days of practice. The first Test of the series will begin in Darwin on August 13, and the second and final Test will be held in Mackay on August 22.

However, the team has been dealing with injury setbacks ahead of the tour. Pacer Nahid Rana has been ruled out of the entire series. Liton Das and Shariful Islam were also uncertain at the start. Following improvement in his rehabilitation, Liton has been included in the squad for the first Test. Shariful may join the team before the second Test.

Bangladesh's record against Australia in Tests is not very good. So far, six Tests have been played between the two sides. Bangladesh have won one of them, in Mirpur in 2017. Australia have won the remaining five matches, three of which came by innings margins.