Soumya Sarkar's Five-Year Wait Ends as Bangladesh Injury Crisis Hits Darwin Test

Bangladesh are heading to Darwin for a Test series against Australia with their squad plans in tatters — and a familiar face back in the mix after a five-year wait.

A Veteran Gets the Call

Soumya Sarkar has been recalled to the Bangladesh Test squad after an absence stretching more than five years, with selectors forced into the decision by injuries to three first-choice players. It’s the sort of recall that raises eyebrows — a veteran batter dusted off and handed another crack at the longest format — but there’s method to it. His experience on Australian soil is understood to be a key factor in the thinking.

Playing Test cricket in Darwin is no picnic. The heat, the pace-friendly surface, the bounce that catches visitors off guard — it’s a very different proposition to conditions back home. Bangladesh need players who’ve been there before, who won’t be rattled when Pat Cummins or Mitchell Marsh hits a full length and the ball rears up sharply.

Injury Cloud Over Bangladesh’s Chances

Three first-choice players missing before a ball is bowled is a rough way to begin a series. It strips depth and options before the coin is even tossed. Soumya’s inclusion looks like a pragmatic fix rather than a statement of intent — Bangladesh are in survival mode with their squad, and they know it.

Whether Soumya can hold his own after such a long break from Test cricket remains the big question. Five years is a long time. But in a pinch, experience counts. Keep up with all the cricket action as the Darwin Test approaches.

FD — Sports reporter, australiafootball.com