Bangladesh should have played more Tests in Australia over the last 23 years: Shanto

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto believes the Tigers should have played more Test matches in Australia over the past two decades, as the team prepares for its first Test tour Down Under in 23 years.

Bangladesh will face Australia in the opening Test of the two-match series on August 13 in Darwin, ending a nearly nine-year gap between the two sides in Test cricket.

Although several Bangladeshi players, including Shanto, Afif Hossain, and Rakibul Hasan, have previously played in Australia during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, 2022 T20 World Cup, and the Top End T20 Series, this will be Bangladesh's first bilateral tour of Australia in 18 years and their first Test tour since 2003.

Speaking to reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Thursday (July 30), Shanto described the opportunity to play a Test series in Australia as a privilege but admitted he wished Bangladesh had been given more chances over the years.

"We are fortunate to get the opportunity to play Test cricket in Australia. But I believe Bangladesh should have played more Test matches there over the last 23 years," he said.

The captain also offered an honest assessment of Bangladesh's Test record, acknowledging that the team has not consistently performed well in the format.

"If we had played better Test cricket over the years, perhaps we would have had more opportunities to play against Australia," Shanto added.

While Bangladesh aims to win the upcoming series, Shanto emphasized that the team's primary objective is to play competitive cricket and earn respect.

"If we can challenge Australia and perform well, it could open the door for more Test series between the two countries in the future," he said.

Bangladesh has also been dealing with injury concerns ahead of the tour. Fast bowler Nahid Rana has already been ruled out of the series due to injury.

However, there was positive news regarding wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das, whose scan revealed no major damage to his left calf muscle. After receiving specialist treatment in Singapore, he is recovering well, significantly improving his chances of featuring in the series.

Bangladesh and Australia have met six times in Test cricket.

Bangladesh's only victory came in 2017 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, while Australia has won the other five matches convincingly.