Litton Das trains without discomfort, decision on Darwin warm-up match looms

Litton Das has made significant progress in his recovery from a left calf injury sustained during Bangladesh’s ODI series in Australia. The 31-year-old wicket-keeper batter has been sidelined since June, missing the T20I series against Australia and the subsequent white-ball tour of Zimbabwe. However, his rehabilitation programme has progressed sufficiently for him to be included in Bangladesh’s Test squad for the upcoming Australia series.

Bangladesh’s chief selector Habibul Bashar provided an update on Das’ fitness status on Wednesday, August 5, ahead of the warm-up fixture against Cricket Australia XI in Darwin. The squad will begin their preparation with this three-day match from August 6 to 8, before the opening Test commences on August 13.

“Litton completed a session today and looks without discomfort. He also had a wicketkeeping session. A decision on whether he will play the practice match will be taken on the morning of the match,” Bashar told The Daily Star.

Das’ most recent Test appearance came in June when he scored 126 and 69 against Pakistan in Sylhet, earning Player of the Match honours in that 72-run victory. His inclusion in the squad reflects the BCB’s confidence in his recovery trajectory, though the final decision on his readiness for competitive cricket will depend on his performance during the warm-up phase in Darwin.

Bangladesh’s pace attack faces additional challenges with fast bowlers Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam unavailable for the opening Test. Rana has been ruled out of the series with a side strain, while Shoriful Islam was not selected for the opening Test due to a hamstring injury. These absences add further significance to the fitness assessments being conducted during the warm-up phase. The second and final Test will be played in Mackay from August 22 to 26.

Australia, the two-time finalists of the World Test Championship and champion in 2023, find themselves at the top of the standings for the current cycle. Bangladesh, on the other hand, are stationed at No. 4, above teams like India, Sri Lanka, England, the West Indies, and Pakistan.