Bashar backs Australia Test squad despite injury concerns

Bangladesh's chief selector Habibul Bashar Sumon was optimistic about the squad for the upcoming Test series in Australia despite losing several key players to injury, saying they had assembled the strongest possible team from the available options.

Bashar led selection panel yesterday announced the team for the first cricket Test against Australia amid the several players injury concern. 

He said the selectors had hoped to finalize the squad much earlier, with the Test side having developed into Bangladesh's most settled unit after a string of encouraging performances in recent series. However, injuries to several frontline players at the last moment forced them to alter their plans.

"We waited as long as possible in the hope that at least some of them would recover in time for one Test, but that didn't happen. In cricket, you don't always get your best XI. We've selected the best possible squad from the players who are fit and available, and we're optimistic about doing well," he said.

Explaining the recall of wicketkeeper-batter Jaker Ali, the selector said the decision to leave him out earlier was not based on poor performances but to allow him to regain form and confidence through domestic and High Performance matches.

"He did exactly what we expected, scored runs and proved he was ready to return. That's why Jaker was our first choice," he said.

He also clarified that backup wicketkeeper Mahidul Islam Ankon remained in Bangladesh's long-term plans despite missing out on the Australia tour. Ankon is expected to feature for the Bangladesh Emerging team against South Africa Emerging team as part of the management's effort to prepare players for a busy international schedule.

Providing an update on Liton Das, Bashar said initial scans had shown no major damage, but further examinations in Singapore revealed swelling rather than a tear, meaning the batter would now undergo a phased rehabilitation program before returning to action.

Reflecting on Bangladesh's Test defeat to Zimbabwe, the selector dismissed the notion that the bowling attack was responsible for the loss, instead blaming the batting unit.

"I believe we lost the match because of our batting. Had we scored more than 300 in the first innings, the game could have been completely different. Taijul Islam took seven wickets and our bowling attack consisted of experienced Test bowlers," he said.

On batting plans for Australia, Bashar, also a former Bangladesh skipper urged the players to adopt a positive approach rather than reckless aggression.

"My belief is that Australian bowlers always try to put opponents under pressure and don't expect teams to counterattack. If our batters can play with confidence, that approach could work well for us," he said.

The chief selector explained that Towhid Hridoy had been left out of the Australia squad because he was unlikely to break into the playing XI and would benefit more from playing four-day matches against South Africa 'A'.

He also spoke on uncapped Mushfik Hasan, saying that the pacer’s inclusion was based on Australian conditions, where his pace and ability to hit the deck could be effective.

Bashar said the team wanted a right-handed opening batter to balance a top order featuring several left-handers. 

While Mahmudul Hasan Joy remained in the selectors' plans, he has been sent to the 'A' team to regain confidence through runs, while the experienced Soumya Sarkar was preferred because of his familiarity with Australian conditions.

Squad for 1st Test: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Soumya Sarkar, Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Amite Hasan, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Vice Captain), Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Musfik Hasan.