DHAKA, July 30, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto insisted that his side’s tour of Australia is about more than chasing victories as they want to demonstrate a competitive performance which can eventually earn them respect and secure more Test opportunities Down Under in future.

"Our main goal is to earn respect by playing good cricket there,” Shanto said here today while speaking with the media ahead of Australia tour.

“If we can compete well, Australia will be more likely to invite us for Test series in the future and that’s what we want,” he said.

Bangladesh will leave the country tomorrow for two-match Test series against Australia. The series marks their first ever Test tour in Australia in 23 years.

During that period, several generations of Bangladeshi cricketers completed their international careers without playing a Test in Australia.

The cricketers who ended their career without playing a Test in Australia included Tamim Iqbal, considered as the best ever opener of the country.

Despite a Test career spanning more than two decades and over 100 matches, seasoned campaigner Mushfiqur Rahim is set to make his first Test appearance on Australian soil.

When Bangladesh would approach for a victory, Shanto said the manner in which his side performs will be equally important.

"We play every match to win. But what matters is how well we play and how hard we can push them,” he said.

“If we can produce two competitive Test matches, it will be beneficial for us and give us the opportunity to tour here more often,” he said.

Shanto stated leading Bangladesh in Australia as a privilege but admitted that the team had not consistently played quality Test cricket over the years.

"I think I am very fortunate to lead Bangladesh in a Test series in Australia. We should have played more Test matches there over the past 23 years, although we also have to admit that we didn't play consistently good Test cricket for a long time," he pointed out.

The Bangladesh captain also said that the growing expectations surrounding the national Test side is the testament of how the progress has changed public perception of the team.

"One positive thing is that our fans expect a lot from us in every series. They expect us to win every match, and that's a good sign,” he stated. 

“That probably wasn't the case 23 years ago. It's an achievement that people in Bangladesh now believe we can beat any team.”

Bangladesh of late beat Australia in a three-match ODI series at home with pace bowler Nahid Rana tormenting the full strength visiting side.

However, the Aussies decided to field a full-strength squad for the upcoming Test series, even at their home condition.

Shanto believed it reflects the growing respect his side has earned through improved performances in recent years.

"When I saw their squad, I personally liked it. They didn't take us lightly," Shanto said. 

"I think every player in this team has earned that respect. The way we have been playing Test cricket over the last two or three years has changed things, although there is still room for improvement. The better we play, the more seriously our opponents will take us."

Shanto, however, admitted Bangladesh would miss injured fast bowler Nahid Rana, terming his absence as unfortunate.

"It would have been better if he was available. But injuries are beyond our control," he said.

 “Those who have got the opportunity now have a big chance to show what they can do. If they perform well, it will only make the Bangladesh team stronger."”

Bangladesh will begin the Australia tour with a three-day warm-up match against a Cricket Australia XI at DXC Arena in Darwin from August 6 to 8.

The first Test will be held at Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin from August 13, while the second and final Test is scheduled to begin on August 22 at Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay.

The BCB has already announced the squad for the first Test but the second Test squad will be unveiled after assessing the fitness of some players.

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.