Former Bangladesh assistant coach and current High Performance Unit head of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, Mohammed Salahuddin, said on Sunday that if Litton Das can take part in the warm-up fixture, it will be easier for him to feature in the opening Test against Australia, as it will help him to adapt to the conditions.
For the record, Bangladesh are scheduled to play a warm-up match from August 6-8 against Cricket Australia XI before heading for the opening Test, scheduled at Darwin from August 13th. Litton, who was initially left out of the opening Test due to his injury was added into the squad at the last minute to bolster the strength of the Bangladesh batting after he recovered sufficiently.
Litton Das was sidelined since June with a left calf injury, but BCB has stated that he has responded well to his rehabilitation programme, making himself available for the first Test in Darwin, which will get underway on August 13th.
Mohammed Salahuddin on Litton Das’s adaptation to the conditions
Speaking to reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Sunday, Mohammed Salahuddin said, “A Test match might not be played at high intensity. In a Test match, maybe he runs three or four runs at a very slow pace and as a wicket-keeper, he might not have to sprint 80-90 times.”Â
He further added, “If he can bat and do reasonable running between the wickets, I think if he is fit to play, bringing an experienced player here is certainly justified. Adaptation is very crucial and he is going early he will be able to adapt there. He has been out of matches for nearly 45 days. If he can play the warm-up match, that will be very good for him. Playing the Test match will become easier for him. Otherwise, going straight into a Test match might cause a bit of difficulty. So, adapting is necessary for him.”Â
Salahuddin said that he is optimistic about the Test team as players have been together for quite some time now and know their responsibilities. He said, “I am always optimistic about the Test team. Because I feel those who play in the Test squad are aware of themselves, know their goals well, and are very organised. I see no reason why they wouldn’t do well. Given their desire and goals, they think very positively.”Â
He further added, “Since they are experienced, if we can perform well in a few of the four away Tests, and win the remaining four matches when we play at home, we can finish in the top one, two, or three.”Â
Mohammed Salahuddin heaps praise on Jaker Ali alongside ruing Nahid Rana’s absence
Mohammed Salahuddin feels wicket-keeper batter Jaker Ali, who made a comeback in the Test squad after a reasonable gap after playing his last Test against Sri Lanka in June 2025, can also be very effective as he can bat with the tailenders.
Salahuddin said, “Given Jaker’s character, I think he thrives under pressure. As a cricketer, he is a great fighter and knows how to battle on the field. He knows his role well. There are some batters in Bangladesh who can play along with tailenders. In our country, if four-five wickets fall, everyone has to bat with the lower-order. Jaker knows this role very well and has proven it many times. We need a batter like that in that position. I hope he gets the opportunity to do well, and he knows what he needs to do according to his role.”Â
Salahuddin added that the team would miss Nahid Rana, who was ruled out out of the series due to injury, in the Test match as he could have tested the Australian batters with his pace. He concluded, “Honestly, if Nahid Rana was there, I would have been very thrilled to see him bowling bouncers at the Australian batters. Since it didn’t happen, there’s no point in regretting it now. But I believe the other bowlers, if they bowl with a bit of intelligence, will also do very well.”Â
We will watch with bated breath as to how Litton Das and Bangladesh go about their business in this crucial tour of Australia for them where they will be contesting a 2-match Test series. Litton is a crucial and important member in the side and will want to do well in this particular series.
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