India, July 27 -- Australia are going to host Bangladesh over a two-Test series next month, with the first game starting in Darwin on August 13. The visitors have announced the squad for the first Test, and it has a big surprise in Soumya Sarkar, who hasn't played the longest international format for the last five and a half years.

The bating allrounder last played a Test in February 2021 against the West Indies in Mirpur, his 16th appearance in the format. Injury to regular player Litton Das appears to be the reason behind Sarkar's selection. The 33-year-old can also bowl useful medium pace. Nahid Rana (side strain) and Shoriful Islam (hamstring) are not part of the squad either.

Rana's absence is a big blow to the Bangladeshi team. He...