Darwin, 11 August 2026:
Bangladesh fast bowler Taskin Ahmed hopes his side can make history memorable when Test cricket returns to Darwin after a 23-year absence, with Bangladesh preparing to face Australia in the opening Test beginning Aug. 13.
For Taskin, the occasion carries significance beyond the challenge of taking on one of world cricket’s strongest teams. Bangladesh last played Test cricket in Australia in 2003 and the fast bowler said having the chance to be part of the format’s return to Darwin was special.
“I’m really lucky to play Test series here after 23 years,” Taskin said. “So let’s see if we can make this memorable or not.”
Taskin, visiting Darwin for the first time, said the warm northern Australian weather had offered Bangladesh at least one familiar element ahead of the series.
“For me, first time in Darwin. Pretty nice weather, pretty warm and nice, similar to Bangladesh,” he said.
The significance of Bangladesh returning to Australia for Test cricket is not lost on the 31-year-old paceman.
“We are really honoured to be here to play Test series against Australia,” Taskin said. “No doubt, Australia is one of the biggest teams in the world and playing in Australia, against Australia, Test cricket is really a proud moment for us.”
Taskin acknowledged the scale of the challenge but said Bangladesh had reasons for confidence after its recent success against Australia in home conditions.
“That gave us a really good confidence to play against them,” he said. “But still, home and away, there is a big difference.”
Bangladesh’s preparations suffered a setback with a defeat in its practice match against a Cricket Australia XI side, but Taskin described the game as useful preparation while the tourists continued adapting to Australian pitches and conditions.
“So far, that was a good preparation, but we lost though,” he said. “But still, we are hoping to do well in the main match.”
Taskin is expected to carry added responsibility in Bangladesh’s pace attack, particularly with Naheed Rana unavailable through injury.
“We’re going to miss them, especially Naheed Rana,” Taskin said. “He’s a big threat nowadays in world cricket.”
But the experienced quick believes the absence also creates an opportunity for other Bangladesh bowlers to test themselves in Australian conditions.
“It’s a great opportunity for the bowlers playing in Australia,” he said.
Taskin also played down the prospect of radically changing his approach against Australia’s powerful batting lineup. Asked about confronting one of Australia’s leading batters, he said the contest remained a simple battle between bat and ball.
“No doubt, he’s one of the best batters in the world, but still, it’s a game of bat and ball,” Taskin said. “I’ll stick to my process and let’s see how it goes.”
Australia has long held particular appeal for Taskin. He previously played in the country during the 2012 U19 World Cup, the 2015 World Cup and the 2022 T20 World Cup.
“Australia is my favourite place to bowl,” he said.
Taskin named Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Scott Boland among the Australian fast bowlers he has watched, saying he would welcome an opportunity to speak with them during the tour.
