Dhaka, 26 July 2026:
Bangladesh have recalled all-rounder Soumya Sarkar and selected uncapped fast bowler Musfik Hasan in a 15-man squad for the first Test against Australia in Darwin.
Wicketkeeper-batter Jaker Ali has also returned to the squad for the August 13 match, which will be first Test in Darwin since 2004.
Soumya last played Test cricket five years ago, scoring 0 and 13 against the West Indies. During his absence from the national Test side, he scored at an average of 44.47 in 27 first-class matches, including three centuries.
Bangladesh made five changes to the squad that faced Zimbabwe earlier this month. Vice-captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz and experienced fast bowler Taskin Ahmed return after being rested for the Zimbabwe Test, while Soumya, Jaker and Musfik are the other additions.
Bangladesh will be without fast bowlers Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam, as well as wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das, because of injuries. The three players, along with Taskin and Mehidy, played key roles in Bangladesh’s 2-0 Test series victory over Pakistan in May.
Opening batter Mahmudul Hasan Joy was dropped after scoring 2 and 22 in his most recent Test appearance against Zimbabwe. Reserve wicketkeeper Mahidul Islam, batter Towhid Hridoy, off-spinner Nayeem Hasan and uncapped fast bowler Robiul Haque were also left out.
Soumya has struggled in one-day internationals this year, averaging 21.42 in seven matches with one half-century.
Bangladesh will leave for Darwin on July 31 and play a warm-up match before the opening Test.
Bangladesh squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto, captain; Mehidy Hasan Miraz, vice-captain; Soumya Sarkar; Shadman Islam; Tanzid Hasan; Mominul Haque; Mushfiqur Rahim; Amite Hasan, wicketkeeper; Jaker Ali, wicketkeeper; Taijul Islam; Taskin Ahmed; Hasan Mahmud; Khaled Ahmed; Ebadot Hossain; Musfik Hasan.
