Long wait over for Bangladesh and Darwin as Australia start their long run

After a 23-year hiatus for Test series and 18 years for bilateral exchanges, Bangladesh and Australia have embarked on a Test series. Even more significantly, it has been 22 years since Darwin last hosted a Test match. This isn't just a grand occasion for both nations, but also a significant period of inactivity for Australia's Test cricket, with no Test in over a year and their key bowling attack without cohesion.

The wait for Bangladesh in Australia clearly reflects poorly on Cricket Australia, though recent administrations have started to broaden their perspective.

However, the exact timeline of Bangladesh's return remains unclear. While there are interested parties keenly awaiting the contest, it's the Australia players who might be more cautious, aiming to avoid dropping any points in the World Test Championship. The Bangladesh second innings collapse against a CA XI in the warm-up match wasn't encouraging. Yet, with the toss on Thursday, both teams start on equal footing.

Australia is in a unique position as a Test side starting an era-defining run. While they are successful and settled, there are concerns around their age profile. Only Cameron Green is under 30, especially concerning their fast-bowling group. They all continue to be valuable, and rotation might be inevitable. The batting order also faces uncertainty, with Jake Weatherald struggling for a spot at the top, Green needing to prove his talent, and Marnus Labuschagne yet to convince he's back to his best.

The top order's performance could be challenged by the visiting attack, but the visiting team's attack would have been more scrutinized if Nahid Rana had been available.

The side's recovery from a strain in Zimbabwe adds another layer of complexity. Bangladesh, currently fourth in the WTC after two wins against Pakistan, and four in a row including a brace against Ireland before a recent loss to Zimbabwe, would benefit from the experience of captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim. A victory would be an upset. Cameron Green, at 37 matches into his career, is entering a pivotal season, and his performance could determine his future in international cricket.

A huge amount rests on the shoulders of Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto in a batting order that feels vulnerable. With a decent 2026 average and an impressive ability to convert scores over fifty into centuries, he has arrived with a strong form. Scott Boland will warm the bench as Australia brings back their famous four, with Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon returning.

While there are minor concerns in the Bangladesh camp, Litton Das is fit to take his place. Hasan Mahmud's good form for Kent and a four-wicket haul in the warm-up match could secure him a spot. The match is expected to be a thrilling contest.