DHAKA, Aug 12, 2026 (BSS)- Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has urged 
his teammates to focus on playing quality cricket session by session as they 
prepare to face Australia in the opening Test of the two-match series in 
Darwin.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Shanto acknowledged the 
challenge posed by Australia's strong bowling attack and the conditions, but 
said his players were determined to compete throughout the match.

"As players, we want to play good cricket for five days. We want to play each 
session by session, which is what we always say," Shanto said.

Bangladesh suffered an innings defeat against Cricket Australia XI in their 
three-day warm-up match, raising questions about their readiness for the 
Test. Shanto, however, said the team was not concerned about outside 
expectations.

"Each session is important. Will it be four days, five days, or three days-
there will be such discussions. But as players, we will always aim to see how 
well we can play cricket," he said.

Shanto also confirmed that wicketkeeper-batter Liton Das is fully fit after 
recovering from injury. Liton did not feature in the warm-up match after 
joining the squad, but his availability has given Bangladesh additional 
confidence in their batting.

The Bangladesh captain said individual performances would also be crucial to 
the team's prospects.

"There is no need to give anyone extra motivation. Everyone knows that a big 
score here, five wickets, doing well as a team-all these will be very useful 
for us and for the future of our team," he remarked.

Australia's conditions are expected to test Bangladesh's batters, with the 
drop-in pitch at Marrara Stadium likely to offer assistance to the pace 
attack, particularly with the new ball.

Shanto said Bangladesh's batters would need to remain patient while still 
playing their natural game.

"There are always challenges everywhere with the new ball. Here there might 
be a little more. As long as we bat here, whoever bats will play their 
natural game and play for runs," the captain pointed out.

He added that sustained concentration would be vital against Australia's 
experienced bowling attack.

"It is very important to bat with concentration for a long time. They are a 
very good bowling attack. To handle this attack properly, we must bat with a 
lot more concentration and good thinking," Shanto opined.