Shanto confirmed that wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das is fit and will feature in the Test after completing nets and keeping drills at Marrara Stadium on Wednesday, August 12. Litton is expected to bat at No. 5 or 6.
The Bangladesh captain indicated that the team is likely to stick with a combination of two spinners and three seamers, although the final bowling attack will depend on another assessment of the pitch on match morning.
Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz are expected to form the spin partnership, while Taskin Ahmed is likely to lead the pace attack. The remaining two fast-bowling spots could be contested by Ebadot Hossain, Hasan Mahmud, Syed Khaled Ahmed and Musfik Hasan.
Ebadot has returned to the squad after cutting short his paternity leave following injuries to Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam. Shanto praised Ebadot’s recent bowling and backed him to make an impact if selected.
Shoriful, meanwhile, has been cleared to join Bangladesh ahead of the second Test in Mackay after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Bangladesh squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Soumya Sarkar, Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Amite Hasan, Jaker Ali Anik, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Musfik Hasan.
