Dhaka, July 31 (v7n) - Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has expressed full confidence in his depleted bowling unit to take 20 Australian wickets in the upcoming Test series, despite key injuries ruling out pacer Nahid Rana, left-arm seamer Shoriful Islam, and wicketkeeper-batter Liton Das.

Speaking in Dhaka ahead of the team's departure for Australia, Shanto backed his pace attack to deliver. "In Australia, our expectation will definitely be that the pace bowlers take 20 wickets. We also have two experienced spinners to support them," he said. "The pace bowlers in this squad are capable... If they bowl to their potential, it is certainly possible."

Acknowledging that injuries are beyond the team's control, Shanto insisted that those selected are more than capable. "I have complete faith in those who have been selected," he added, noting that the tour presents a golden opportunity for fringe players to prove themselves.

Beyond the scoreline, Shanto made it clear that the tour is about more than just winning. "Our main goal is to earn respect by playing good cricket there," he said. "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."

This marks Bangladesh's first Test tour of Australia in 23 years. Shanto called it a privilege to lead the side but admitted the team had not consistently played quality Test cricket over the years. He pointed to growing fan expectations as a positive sign of progress. "That probably wasn't the case 23 years ago. It's an achievement that people in Bangladesh now believe we can beat any team."

Shanto also welcomed Australia's decision to field a full-strength squad, viewing it as a sign of respect. "They didn't take us lightly," he said. "The better we play, the more seriously our opponents will take us."

On the injury front, Shanto called Nahid Rana's absence "unfortunate" but stressed that those replacing him have a big chance to strengthen the team's depth.

Bangladesh will play a three-day warm-up match against a Cricket Australia XI in Darwin from August 6–8, followed by the first Test at Marrara Cricket Ground (August 13) and the second Test in Mackay (August 22). The BCB has announced the squad for the first Test, with the second to be finalized later.

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