For veteran wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim, stepping into the DXC Arena—traditionally known as Marrara Cricket Ground—for training represented a surreal milestone. As Bangladesh prepares for its first Test series in Australia since 2003, the tour holds unique significance for the 39-year-old, who is finally set to play a Test match on Australian soil after a professional career spanning more than two decades.
The visiting side is currently in Darwin for the initial stage of preparations ahead of the opening Test, which begins on August 13. While a portion of the squad arrived on Saturday, the remaining members, including Litton Das, are expected to join the group shortly after departing Dhaka on August 2. Mushfiqur, however, was among those immediately focused on long hours in the nets, maintaining the work ethic that has defined his tenure as the only member of Bangladesh's celebrated 'Fab Five' still fully dedicated to active play.
His former contemporaries have moved in various directions: Shakib Al Hasan is playing franchise cricket abroad while navigating the political fallout from the July 2024 movement; Mashrafe Mortaza has largely transitioned into a political identity; Tamim Iqbal has taken on the role of Bangladesh Cricket Board president; and Mahmudullah is balancing domestic cricket with coaching duties, including an upcoming role with the Bangladesh A side for the Top End T20 Series. In contrast, Mushfiqur remains the only Bangladesh cricketer to have played over 100 Tests, consistently being the first to arrive at training and the last to leave.
Despite his long career, Mushfiqur has waited nearly a decade for this opportunity, having initially hoped for a return to Australia following the team's historic 2017 Test victory over the hosts in Mirpur. His preparation for this series has been meticulous. He has consulted friends in Australia to understand local conditions and opted for a lighter bat to better suit the expected pitches. Furthermore, he has engaged in specific training to counter the inswinger, identifying Australia’s pace spearheads Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood as primary threats.
Habibul Bashar, the former Bangladesh captain and BCB chief selector, noted that the tour serves as a fitting reward for the veteran's dedication. "He will obviously try to do something special and he deserves something like this for all his hard work," said Habibul, adding that this will likely be Mushfiqur's final Test match in Australia. For the veteran, the tour represents the fulfillment of a long-held dream, and he remains acutely aware that this may be his only chance to leave a mark on Australian soil.
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