We have the bowlers to take 20 wickets, especially in Australian conditions: Najmul Hossain Shanto

Bangladesh Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto feels he has the bowling attack "to take 20 wickets" as the team gears up to face Australia in their backyard. Bangladesh have suffered a massive blow as a side strain has ruled their star fast bowler Nahid Rana out of the two-match Test series.

Rana has been the most prolific wicket-taker for Bangladesh in the past 12 months, playing a monumental role in Test series wins in Pakistan and on home soil. However, Shanto is unperturbed by the loss and feels the rest of the bowling attack is still capable of troubling the Aussies.

"I have full faith in the team bound for Australia," Shanto was reported as saying by Cricinfo. "I believe we can play good cricket. I think there's really no point in talking about what might have been. Injuries aren't really avoidable in this day and age. I think we have the bowlers to take 20 wickets, especially in Australian conditions. We have two experienced spinners who can complement the fast bowlers. We have a capable pace attack. Everyone except Musfik [Hasan] is experienced. They have to give their best to take the 20 wickets."

This will only be the fourth time Bangladesh and Australia will be up against each other in a red-ball bilateral. This is also the first time in 23 years that Bangladesh are travelling to Australia for a red-ball contest. Their last Test tour of Australia came in July 2003.

It was also a two-match Test series, which Australia thoroughly dominated, winning both games by an innings margin. Shanto feels their playing group is very lucky to be travelling down under and wants to "earn respect", showcasing impressive performances.

"I think we are very lucky to play Tests in Australia. We should have played more matches there in the last 23 years, although we haven't done that well in the format," Shanto said. "So now that we are going to Australia, I hope that we play good cricket and earn the respect. I am hopeful our competitive nature will earn us another invitation there. It is important that we can play good cricket, try to win, and give them a hard time."

Bangladesh and Australia Test series results