DHAKA, July 30, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto backed his bowling line up to take the 20 wickets of Australia in a Test match despite the bowling attack being severely weakened by injuries. 

Shanto’s side will tour Australia without pacer Nahid Rana, left-arm seamer Shoriful Islam and wicket-keeper batter Liton Das, all ruled out with injuries.

"In Australia, our expectation will definitely be that the pace bowlers take 20 wickets. We also have two experienced spinners who will support them," Shanto said here today.

"The pace bowlers in this squad are capable, and apart from Musfik Hasan, everyone has been playing international cricket for many years. If they bowl to their potential, it is certainly possible for us to take 20 wickets," he said.

The captain said injuries were beyond the team's control and insisted those selected were capable of delivering.

"Injuries are actually beyond our control. Any player can get injured at any time. But I have the belief on my side which is going to Australia. I believe that they can play good cricket," Shanto said.

"It would not be logical to think about whether there could have been better players. What is important is how well we can play with this team and how much faith I have in the players, and I have full confidence in them."

Shanto admitted the importance of the injured trio but said their absence also presented an opportunity for others to establish themselves.

"Nahid Rana, Shoriful and Liton Das are definitely important players. But those who are in the squad have also been playing for many years. This is a big opportunity for those who get the chance to perform," he said.

"It would not be right to expect that I will always have my best players available as captain. I have complete faith in those who have been selected."

Although Bangladesh have not toured Australia for more than two decades, Shanto said adapting quickly to local conditions would be the key to success.

"It is difficult to judge the conditions from here. We will understand them only after we arrive. Whatever the conditions are, as professional cricketers we have to cope with it," he said.