Taskin set to seek advice from Australian pacers

Bangladeshi fast bowler Taskin Ahmed is thrilled about the upcoming Test series against Australia. Having grown up watching legendary Australian pacers dominate the game over the generations, Taskin is eagerly seeking an opportunity to finally play against them on Australian soil.

He is particularly excited to face the Australian pace battery comprising Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Scott Boland. Beyond competing on the field, the Bangladeshi pacer plans to draft a list of topics to discuss with the Australian quartet to gather valuable insights and tips.

The first Test of the two-match series—a part of the ICC World Test Championship—is scheduled to begin on August 13 in Darwin.

Ahead of the series opener, Taskin enjoyed some downtime fishing with Australian players Alex Carey and Jake Weatherald in Darwin, followed by a photo session. Reflecting on the moment, Taskin said, "I’ve been watching the Australian team since I was a child, especially their great fast bowlers and legendary cricketers. Now I finally have the opportunity to play against them, and I’m really excited."

Taskin also singled out Australia as one of his favorite bowling conditions. "Australia is my favorite place to bowl. I’ve been following all of them—Starc, Hazlewood, Cummins, and even Boland is doing so well. If given the chance, I definitely want to talk to them and get as much advice as possible."

While Taskin has yet to play a Test match in Australia, he has taken 14 wickets across 9 limited-overs matches against them in white-ball cricket. Notably, 6 of those 9 wickets came during the 2015 ODI World Cup hosted in Australia and New Zealand.

Confidence boosted by recent home win

The Bangladeshi squad enters the series with boosted morale, having secured a 2-1 ODI series victory against Australia at home just two months ago. Taskin played a pivotal role in that triumph, finishing as Bangladesh's second-highest wicket-taker.

He believes that success against Australia will boost confidence for the Test series, saying, "It was truly a great series for us. Traditionally, Mirpur features slow and turning wickets. However, the conditions in the latest series were quite sporting. We all played well and defeated Australia, which gives us immense confidence facing them again."

However, the pacer also pointed out the differences between ODIs and Tests, as well as home and Australian conditions. In his words, "Even so, there is a big difference between playing at home and away."

Bangladesh Ahead in the World Test Championship

Bangladesh is currently in a strong position in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle, sitting fourth on the points table with a 58.33% point percentage after four Tests.

Australia, on the other hand, comfortably leads the WTC standings with an impressive 87.50% point percentage. This series against Bangladesh is equally critical for Australia as they look to cement their spot in next year's World Test Championship final at The Oval.

When the first Test kicks off in Darwin on August 13, the two teams will clash with distinct objectives—Australia aiming to maintain their top spot, and Bangladesh seeking to replicate their recent home success against major teams on foreign soil.