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Litton Das has arrived in Chattogram with an unusual problem for a Bangladesh captain – too many quicks and not enough shirts to hand out. Five seamers are jostling for three spots in Thursday’s opening T20I against Australia and, for once, the talk around a Bangladesh squad is less about the pitch turning and more about the ball hurrying on.
The selectors have recalled Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman (the “Fizz”) and teenager Nahid Rana after a short rest, kept Shoriful Islam fresh from his 6 for 48 in the final ODI against New Zealand, and rewarded uncapped all-rounder Abdul Gaffar Saqlain for domestic form. Litton, asked how he intends to squeeze them in, smiled.
“It is always good news that your bench is strong too,” he said. “You can pick any player into your playing XI. It is a healthy competition, and at the same time, how good is that for Bangladesh cricket team? Taskin and Fizz are big names. They were rested in the last (T20I) series. They are back in this series, so we are going into the matches with our full strength.
“Shoriful too is a first-choice bowler. But the thing is, we can’t play more than three in a playing XI. We have so many fast bowling options these days, in Tests, ODIs and T20Is. Someone is having to sacrifice particularly when the fast bowling unit does well on any given day. Shoriful bowled well in our last T20I (against New Zealand). It is always good to see those who are coming into the side, performing instantly.”
Those words will interest Mitchell Marsh, captaining Australia’s young T20 squad while he completes rehab on a minor ankle problem. Marsh had a long net on Monday and, later, offered generous praise.
“I think it’s really exciting for Bangladesh cricket to have some big bowlers. We have seen different conditions to what we were exposed to in 2021. I think that’s great for cricket. We are look forward to the 2027 World Cup in South Africa.”
He added: “It is a really exciting prospect for them and we look forward to that challenge of playing against them in this format now. They are a well-rounded side. They have been playing some really good cricket off late and that will provide us with a great challenge, one that we will be up for.”
Australia have rung the changes after a bruising 2-1 ODI defeat. Nikhil Chaudhary, Joel Davis, Aaron Hardie and left-arm quick Spencer Johnson come in, Tim David links up for the power-hitting duties, and several multi-format mainstays have flown home for a breather. Marsh believes the switch to the shortest format could reset the mood.
“We have got a bit of change over in personnel, and the guys are really looking forward to this series. No doubt it’s been a tough tour but we are going with high hopes to hopefully win this series and play some really good cricket. We have some experienced guys coming back, no doubt. We will have some fresh faces and some young guys that will provide some great energy,” he said.
Then, speaking about David, Marsh began but never quite finished his thought: “I think anytime you welcome one of the best middle-order players in the world into your team. He is experien”
Even half a sentence makes the point – Australia expect David to tilt tight chases their way.
Analysis
Bangladesh usually stack spin at home, yet this group of fast bowlers is changing habits. Taskin’s extra pace, Mustafizur’s cutters, Shoriful’s left-arm angle and Rana’s skiddy style offer contrasting roles through the innings. It also gives Litton a chance to hold spin back for match-ups rather than necessity.
Australia’s counter is pace of their own. Johnson topped 150 kph in the Big Bash; Hardie and Marcus Stoinis, if fit, can bang out heavy lengths; leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha shapes as the lone specialist tweaker. The visitors still expect low, slow surfaces but believe power hitting – David, Glenn Maxwell, even Marsh himself if cleared – is a better answer than waiting for turn.
Key match-ups
• Taskin v Marsh: new-ball speed against in-form stroke-maker.
• Mustafizur v David at the death: cutters versus power.
• Shakib Al Hasan (if he plays) against Maxwell: two veterans who read each other well.
What to watch
The Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium usually offers more bounce than Mirpur. If grass is left on, three quicks each is realistic; if it is shaved bare, spin could still dominate. Either way, Bangladesh having a “pleasant headache” over their seamers is news in itself – and a healthy sign for the 2027 World Cup Marsh mentioned.
The first ball is due at 6 pm local time on Thursday.
