Litton Das Steps Up Recovery Ahead of Darwin Warm-Up and Australia Test Series

August 6, 2026

Bangladesh wicket-keeper batter Litton Das has shown encouraging signs of recovery from a left calf injury, completing a practice session without discomfort ahead of Bangladesh’s warm-up fixture in Darwin. The 31-year-old was named in the national Test squad for the upcoming series against Australia after spending several weeks sidelined from competitive cricket.

What Happened

Litton Das sustained a left calf injury in June during Bangladesh’s One-Day International (ODI) series in Australia. The setback forced the wicket-keeper batter to miss the subsequent Twenty20 International (T20I) series against Australia as well as the white-ball tour of Zimbabwe.

Following a structured rehabilitation programme, Das was included in the Test squad travelling to Australia. On Wednesday, August 5, Bangladesh chief selector Habibul Bashar confirmed that Das had successfully completed a training session, including wicketkeeping drills, without showing any physical discomfort.

Bashar stated to The Daily Star that Das looked comfortable during practice, adding that team management would make a final call on his inclusion for the three-day warm-up match against Cricket Australia XI on the morning of the fixture.

Key Highlights

Injury Background: Litton Das has been out of action since June due to a left calf injury sustained during the ODI tour in Australia.
Missed Matches: The injury ruled him out of the T20I matches against Australia and the subsequent tour of Zimbabwe.
Training Update: Das took part in a complete training session in Darwin, including wicketkeeping, without feeling discomfort.
Warm-up Match: Bangladesh begins its tour preparations with a three-day game against Cricket Australia XI scheduled from August 6 to August 8 in Darwin.
Previous Form: In his last Test appearance in June against Pakistan in Sylhet, Das registered scores of 126 and 69, earning Player of the Match honours in a 72-run win.
Pace Bowling Absences: Bangladesh will be without fast bowler Nahid Rana for the entire series due to a side strain, while Shoriful Islam misses the first Test because of a hamstring injury.

Why This Matters

Litton Das’s potential return provides vital stability to Bangladesh’s batting order and wicketkeeping department, especially following his strong performance against Pakistan in Sylhet. His progress is critical as Bangladesh prepares to face Australia, the reigning 2023 World Test Championship winners who currently lead the points standings.

Bangladesh is currently positioned at No. 4 in the World Test Championship standings, ahead of sides such as India, Sri Lanka, England, the West Indies, and Pakistan. Furthermore, the absence of key pace bowlers Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam increases the reliance on experienced senior players during the tour.

What to Watch Next

A decision regarding whether Litton Das will play in the three-day warm-up match against Cricket Australia XI will be made on the morning of August 6. The opening Test of the series is scheduled to begin on August 13, followed by the second and final Test in Mackay from August 22 to August 26.

Frequently Asked Questions

What injury did Litton Das suffer?

Litton Das sustained a left calf injury in June during Bangladesh’s ODI series in Australia.

Will Litton Das play the practice match in Darwin?

Chief selector Habibul Bashar noted that a final decision on Das playing the warm-up match against Cricket Australia XI will be taken on the morning of the match.

Which other Bangladesh players are out due to injury?

Fast bowler Nahid Rana is ruled out of the series due to a side strain, while Shoriful Islam is unavailable for the opening Test owing to a hamstring injury.

Source: Crictracker / The Daily Star