New Delhi, August 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Bangladesh pacer Shoriful Islam is hopeful of returning to the playing XI for the second Test against Australia as the visitors look to secure a historic series victory on Australian soil.
Shoriful missed Bangladesh’s memorable nine-wicket win in the opening Test in Darwin after suffering a hamstring injury, but the left-arm pacer has recovered and is available for selection ahead of the second Test at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay.
“I am always ready. Let’s see what is in my destiny, InshaAllah, and hopefully I can play the match,” Shoriful told reporters in Mackay on Wednesday, according to The Daily Star.
The 25-year-old sustained the injury during Bangladesh’s tour of Zimbabwe, ruling him out of the opening Test. After being cleared to rejoin the squad, he travelled to Darwin and watched from the sidelines as Bangladesh secured their first-ever Test victory in Australia.
Despite not featuring in the match, Shoriful said he was delighted to be part of the historic occasion.
“I’m very happy to have been part of such a victory. At least I made it into the pictures (laughs), even though I wasn’t in the squad. It feels really good,” he said.
The pacer added that he had been praying for his teammates throughout the match and was overwhelmed when Bangladesh completed the landmark win.
“I always prayed for the players who were playing, that they would give their best and that we would win. When we won the match, I was happier than anyone else in Bangladesh,” he said.
Bangladesh’s pace attack played a crucial role in the Darwin victory, with Hasan Mahmud taking nine wickets in the match. The visitors’ seamers also claimed all 10 Australian wickets in the first innings.
Shoriful’s return would give Bangladesh another pace option as they seek to maintain their momentum and complete a historic series triumph.
The second Test begins on Saturday in Mackay. Australia must win to level the two-match series, while Bangladesh need only a draw to secure their first-ever Test series victory against Australia.
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