AUS vs BAN 2026: Bangladesh delay call on Tanzid, Mushfiqur's Mackay inclusion

Bangladesh are awaiting fitness clearances for opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim and wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim ahead of the second Test against Australia, which begins in Mackay on August 22, 2026. Both players picked up physical concerns during Thursday's training session, and the team management is expected to make a final decision on the morning of the match.

Tanzid developed neck stiffness and was unable to bat on Thursday. He returned to the crease on Friday after undergoing a scan, but the team is still waiting for the medical report before confirming his availability. Mushfiqur, meanwhile, took a blow to his finger while at the batting nets on the same Thursday, and the exact severity of that knock has not yet been confirmed.

Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto addressed both situations at his pre-match press conference on Friday, August 21.

"Mushfiqur bhai is doing well so far. Tamim also batted today. Overall, I think we will be able to make a good decision tomorrow morning. I think it's done. The Darwin win is over now," before underlining what is at stake in Mackay.

"I've said many times that the spin attack we have is very experienced and can bowl in any condition. With the kind of spinners we have in the team, we have the opportunity to play with three pacers and two spinners. I'm happy with the combination we're playing with. The fast bowlers are doing a great job. If we need a fourth pacer, then the fourth and fifth pacers are also ready to do their job," he added.

The Bangla Tigers skipper also underlined the importance of not getting carried away with the win in the first encounter. He believes that in order to end the tour on a high, they will have to once again step onto the field and play to the best of their potential for the entirety of the match. He also believes that Bangladesh should play more often away from home against strong teams like Australia and England.

"Now we have to play good cricket for five days again. It's very important for us to do well in this Test match. We have to do well again against this bowling and batting attack. Of course, we should play [against big teams like Australia, England in their own backyard]. I don't think we will improve without playing against them," Hossain added.

"So by winning the last match we were able to send a positive message. I believe the team we have is capable of playing in any condition. We played good cricket in the last match. It is very important that we play good cricket again," Hossain further explained.

What happens if Tanzid is ruled out?

Should Tanzid fail his fitness assessment on the morning of August 22, Bangladesh have a contingency in place. Soumya Sarkar put in a lengthy batting session during Friday's training specifically as part of that planning and could slot into the opening position.

The potential loss would carry weight given Tanzid's contribution to the series so far. He struck his maiden Test century in the first Test in Darwin, a match Bangladesh won by nine wickets to take a 1-0 lead. Shanto acknowledged the uncertainty around the final eleven.

"I have an idea [about the playing XI] but I'll take another look tomorrow morning," Shanto said.

What is the update on Shoriful Islam?

Beyond the fitness picture, Shanto is also weighing his bowling options for the Mackay Test. Shoriful Islam, who was absent from the Darwin Test through injury, is now fit and has been bowling well in the lead-up.

"Shoriful is fine, healthy. He is bowling well. I hope he will do something good if he gets the chance," he said.

How is Shanto approaching the Mackay bowling combination?

Conditions in Mackay are expected to produce more swing than Darwin because of stronger winds, and Shanto is considering whether to go with a four-man pace attack or combine three pacers with two spinners. He said:

"I think the bowlers will get a little help because of the wind. The swing might get a little extra. If the bowlers can use the wind, it will definitely be an added advantage for the bowlers.

“The wicket looks good. Of course, the practice wicket we practised on had a bit more bounce. All five pace bowlers in our squad are ready. The positive side is that the two spinners we have bowl well in any conditions. I think, since we have a little more time, we will take another look at the wicket in the morning and make whatever decision is best for the team," Shanto concluded.