For Mushfiqur Rahim, stepping onto the DXC Arena—formerly known as the Marrara Cricket Ground—for Bangladesh’s initial training session marked a surreal milestone. The team is currently in Australia for its first Test series there since 2003, preparing for a rigorous World Test Championship challenge against a full-strength home side.
The squad began training at the Darwin venue, which is scheduled to host the opening Test starting August 13. While the first group of players arrived in Darwin on Saturday, the remaining members of the touring party, including Litton Das, departed Dhaka on August 2 and are expected to join the camp shortly.
Amidst the intense net sessions, the 39-year-old Mushfiqur stood out as the only active member of Bangladesh’s celebrated ‘Fab Five.’ While his former teammates have transitioned into different roles, Mushfiqur remains singularly focused on his playing career. Shakib Al Hasan, who left the country following the July 2024 movement that saw the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government, continues to play franchise cricket globally, though his political tenure as a former Awami League Member of Parliament remains a defining aspect of his public life.
Similarly, Mashrafe Mortaza has largely retreated from public view following the recent political upheaval. His shift from cricket to politics began in 2018 under the Awami League banner, with his identity increasingly tied to his role as a politician after contesting multiple general elections. Meanwhile, Tamim Iqbal has transitioned into the role of Bangladesh Cricket Board president following his retirement, and Mahmudullah is actively preparing for his post-playing career.
Mahmudullah currently balances domestic cricket with mentoring duties within the BCB. He is presently working with the Under-19 squad and is slated to join the Bangladesh A team as a batting coach for their Australia tour during the Top End T20 Series, signaling his long-term commitment to coaching.
In contrast, Mushfiqur has maintained an unwavering dedication to his craft, often being the first to arrive at training and the last to leave. Despite being the only Bangladeshi cricketer to feature in over 100 Tests across a career spanning more than 21 years, this tour represents his first-ever opportunity to play a Test match in Australia.
Those close to the veteran note that he had hoped for a return to Australia much sooner, particularly after leading the side to a historic Test victory against the Australians in Mirpur back in 2017. When that opportunity failed to materialize, he was forced to wait nearly a decade for another chance to compete on Australian soil.
The long wait has fueled a meticulous preparation process. Mushfiqur has reportedly consulted with friends living in Australia to understand local conditions and has even opted for a lighter bat, anticipating that the pitches will favor shots square of the wicket. He has also dedicated specific practice time to countering the inswinger, preparing for the threat posed by Australian pace spearheads Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.
Habibul Bashar, former Bangladesh captain and the BCB’s chief selector, believes this tour is a well-deserved reward for the veteran’s relentless work ethic. “Every Test match is important, even the ones against Zimbabwe, from a personal side, this will probably be his last Test match in Australia,” Bashar remarked. He added that Mushfiqur is determined to do something special, noting that the player deserves to fulfill this dream after so many years of commitment.
For Mushfiqur, this assignment is far more than just another series; it is the culmination of a two-decade-long ambition. He enters the tour fully aware that this may be his final chance to leave a lasting mark on Australian soil, and he intends to cherish every moment of the experience.
