Bangladesh are heading into their first Test series in Australia in 23 years with one of their pace attacks facing an unexpected problem. Nahid Rana, the bowler many expected to lead the attack with his raw pace, is out of the entire series. Shoriful Islam will also miss the opening Test in Darwin. That has opened the door for an uncapped fast bowler.
Musfik Hasan is now in line to make his Test debut, and Bangladesh pace bowling coach Alamgir Kabir believes the 23-year-old could give Australia something they are not expecting.
Kabir does not see Musfik as a replacement for Nahid. The two bowlers have different styles and bring different qualities. But he believes Musfik has enough pace, energy and stamina to become a surprise package if Bangladesh give him the chance.
The first Test starts in Darwin on August 13, with the second match scheduled in Mackay from August 22.
Musfik Hasan Gets His Chance
Musfik’s call-up came after Nahid Rana was ruled out of the series with a Grade 2 side strain. The injury happened during Bangladesh’s second T20I against Zimbabwe on July 17. The Bangladesh Cricket Board estimated that Nahid would need six to eight weeks to complete his recovery and bowling workload.
For Bangladesh, it was a major setback. Nahid had developed into one of the most exciting fast bowlers in the side, and his ability to bowl at high speed would have been useful on Australian pitches.
Instead, the selectors turned to Musfik. The right-arm seamer has already been around the national setup. He was previously picked in Bangladesh’s Test squads for the Afghanistan Test in 2023 and the Sri Lanka series in 2024, but he never got onto the field. This time, he has a real chance of finally making his international debut.
His domestic numbers explain why the selectors kept him in their plans. Musfik has taken 57 wickets in 17 first-class matches at an average of 22.82, with three five-wicket hauls. His best innings figures are 8 for 91. Those are useful numbers for a young fast bowler who has not yet played international cricket.
Alamgir Kabir Sees Something Different
Kabir has followed Musfik for years. He first saw the bowler during his Under-17 days and has continued to keep an eye on his progress. That familiarity is one reason the coach is comfortable backing him before such a difficult assignment.
Kabir admitted that nobody can simply replace Nahid Rana. But he also believes Bangladesh should not expect Musfik to do the same job. Instead, Musfik can offer a different challenge.
“He bowls with genuine pace, has great energy and can maintain his intensity over long spells,” Kabir said, while explaining why he feels the young seamer could surprise Australia.
Musfik’s Chance Comes Against a Strong Australia
.Australia have named a strong 13-man squad for the series. Captain Pat Cummins is back after missing Tests since December, while Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon are also included. Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head and Alex Carey add plenty of experience to the batting group.
For a bowler making his international debut, that is a serious examination. Musfik will not have the benefit of Australia’s batsmen being unfamiliar with Test cricket. He will be bowling to players who are comfortable facing pace, know how to leave the ball and can punish mistakes.
But that is also where the element of surprise comes in.
Australia have spent plenty of time preparing for Bangladesh’s established attack. Musfik is the unknown factor. There is limited international footage of him for Australian batters to study, and that can work in his favour during his first spell. A good start could change the whole picture.
Also Read: Will Nahid Rana Lead Bangladesh’s Next Generation of Fast Bowlers?
Why Musfik Could Be a Surprise
There is no guarantee that Musfik will play in Darwin. Bangladesh still have several experienced seamers available, and the final XI will depend on the pitch, conditions and team balance.
But if he gets the nod, the expectations should be simple.
He does not need to be Nahid Rana. He needs to bowl his own way. His first-class record suggests that he knows how to take wickets. His ability to maintain pace over long spells is something Kabir clearly values. And because Australia have not faced him in international cricket, he may have a little freedom that the more familiar Bangladesh bowlers do not.
The first few overs will be crucial. If Musfik can find a good length, make the Australian batters play, and get enough movement from the surface, he could quickly become a problem.
