1. After 21 Years, Mushfiqur Rahim Finally Gets His Shot in Australia
The wait is finally over. For Mushfiqur Rahim, the moment felt surreal as he walked into the DXC Arena in Darwin for Bangladesh's first training session ahead of the two-Test series against Australia . Bangladesh are touring Australia for their first Test series since 2003, and for the 39-year-old veteran, this is his first opportunity to play a Test on Australian soil . Two decades into an illustrious international career, Mushfiqur is finally getting the chance he has waited over 21 years for .
2. Bangladesh's 23-Year Test Drought in Australia Finally Ends
Bangladesh are playing a Test series in Australia for the first time in 23 years . The last time Bangladesh toured Australia for a Test series was in 2003, losing both matches . The enormity of that gap can be gauged from the fact that Mushfiqur Rahim—one of only three cricketers since the 2000s to enjoy a 20-year-plus Test career—has never played a Test in Australia .
3. Mushfiqur's 21-Year Test Career: Australia Remains the Missing Piece
Mushfiqur Rahim made his Test debut at Lord's in 2005, at the age of 17 . Over 21 years, he has become Bangladesh's highest run-scorer in Test cricket, with 6,806 runs in 103 matches, including 14 centuries and 29 half-centuries . Yet, despite a career spanning more than two decades, Australia has remained the final frontier . The grand amphitheatres of Sydney and Melbourne have remained beyond reach .
4. The Dream That Took Two Decades to Materialise
Mushfiqur has long spoken about his dream of playing a Test in Australia. Before the tour, he told the media: "It has always been a big dream to play against Australia in Australia. I don't know whether I will be alive tomorrow or not. But it would be great if I could go to Australia and play Tests" . Now, that dream is finally becoming a reality.
5. 39 and Counting: Mushfiqur's Determined Preparation for Australian Conditions
At 39, Mushfiqur has left no stone unturned in his preparation for the Australian tour . He is understood to have prepared meticulously on his own, familiarising himself with the conditions expected at this time of year by speaking to friends living in Australia . He even decided to carry a slightly lighter bat than usual, believing the surfaces would allow him to play more square of the wicket . He has also worked specifically on handling the inswinger, fully aware of the threat posed by Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood .
6. Bangladesh's Only Centurion: 103 Tests, 6,806 Runs, and Counting
Mushfiqur is Bangladesh's only cricketer to have played over 100 Tests . His record speaks for itself: 103 Test matches, 6,806 runs, 14 centuries, and 29 fifties . He is also the only Bangladeshi cricketer to score three double centuries in Test cricket . As he prepares for his first Test in Australia, he carries the weight of his nation's expectations and a legacy of unparalleled dedication.
7. Habibul Bashar: "He Deserves Something Special"
Former Bangladesh captain and BCB chief selector Habibul Bashar believes the veteran is finally getting the reward for years of relentless dedication . "Every Test match is important... from a personal side, this will probably be his (Mushfiqur) last Test match in Australia," said Habibul . "He will obviously try to do something special and he deserves something like this (fulfilling the dream of playing against Australia at their own backyard) for all his hard work" .
8. From Lord's Debut to Darwin: The Full Circle of a Career
Mushfiqur made his Test debut at Lord's in 2005. In 2010, Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal also featured alongside him at the Home of Cricket . Yet, Australia's grand amphitheatres have remained beyond reach until now. The upcoming Test at Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin will complete a full circle for the veteran, who has waited 21 years to play Test cricket in Australia .
9. Why Mushfiqur Never Got a Chance in Australia Despite 21 Years
Those close to Mushfiqur say he believed Bangladesh would return to Australia much sooner after leading the side to their historic Test victory over Australia in Mirpur in 2017 . Instead, the opportunity never came, forcing him to wait nearly a decade for his first chance to play a Test in Australia's backyard . Despite Bangladesh playing five Tests against Australia in total, all were held either in Bangladesh or neutral venues, with Australia visiting Bangladesh in 2017 for a two-Test series that Bangladesh won 1-0 .
10. Bangladesh's Injury-Hit Squad Arrives in Darwin for Historic Series
The first batch of the Bangladesh Test squad arrived in Darwin on August 1, with the remaining members joining shortly after . Bangladesh have been dealt with multiple injury blows, with pacers Nahid Rana and Tanzim Hasan Sakib ruled out of the series, while Shoriful Islam is expected to return only for the second Test . Wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das, who missed the original squad selection due to injury, has been included after recovering from a left calf injury .
11. Taijul Islam Impressed by Facilities at DXC Arena
Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam expressed satisfaction with both the facilities and the team's opening session after training at the DXC Arena, traditionally known as Marrara Cricket Ground . "The first day's training was good. We could do all kinds of activities, from wicket practice to fielding practice and running," Taijul said . Bangladesh will play a three-day warm-up match against a Cricket Australia XI from August 6 to 8 before the first Test begins .
12. Mushfiqur's Batting Adjustments for Australian Conditions
Mushfiqur has made specific adjustments to his batting for the Australian tour. He decided to carry a slightly lighter bat than usual, believing the surfaces would allow him to play more square of the wicket . He has also worked specifically on handling the inswinger, fully aware of the threat posed by Australia's pace spearheads Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood . The veteran has also received throwdowns from Mohammad Ashraful during practice sessions in Darwin .
13. Bangladesh's World Test Championship Hopes in the Balance
Bangladesh, currently in fourth place in the WTC standings with a point percentage of 58.33, face a crucial challenge against table-toppers Australia (87.50%) . The two-Test series in Australia carries all-important WTC points, and Bangladesh will be desperate to improve their position and strengthen their push for a top-two finish . Mushfiqur's experience and determination will be vital in the batting lineup .
14. The Venues: Darwin and Mackay to Host Historic Series
The first Test will be held at Marrara Cricket Ground (DXC Arena) in Darwin from August 13-17, while the second Test will be played at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay from August 22-26 . Darwin hosted its first Test during Bangladesh's previous Test tour in 2003, and Mackay is set to debut as a Test venue in this series . Mushfiqur will be determined to make the most of this historic opportunity .
15. For Mushfiqur, This Is Far More Than Another Test Assignment
For Mushfiqur Rahim, this tour is about far more than another Test assignment. It is the fulfilment of a dream that took more than two decades to materialise, and perhaps his only opportunity to leave his mark on Australian soil . He will cherish every moment, and he knows better than anyone that another chance like this may never come . The veteran has already made a statement of intent: "I am really excited" .
FAQ
Q1: Why is Mushfiqur Rahim's Australia tour significant?
At 39, Mushfiqur Rahim is finally getting his first opportunity to play a Test match in Australia, after 21 years of international cricket. Bangladesh are touring Australia for the first time since 2003 .
Q2: When did Mushfiqur Rahim make his Test debut?
Mushfiqur made his Test debut at Lord's in 2005 at the age of 17 . He has since played 103 Tests, scoring 6,806 runs with 14 centuries and 29 half-centuries .
Q3: Has Bangladesh ever won a Test against Australia?
Yes, Bangladesh defeated Australia by 20 runs in a Test match in Mirpur in 2017, which was their only Test victory against Australia .
Q4: When and where are the Tests being played?
The first Test will be played from August 13-17 at Marrara Cricket Ground (DXC Arena) in Darwin. The second Test will be played from August 22-26 at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay .
Q5: Why has Mushfiqur never played a Test in Australia before?
Mushfiqur believed Bangladesh would return to Australia sooner after their 2017 victory, but the opportunity never came. Bangladesh's last Test tour of Australia was in 2003, before Mushfiqur made his Test debut .
Q6: What has Mushfiqur said about this tour?
Mushfiqur has called it a "big dream" to play a Test against Australia in Australia, saying: "I don't know whether I will be alive tomorrow or not. But it would be great if I could go to Australia and play Tests" .