Australia vs Bangladesh 1st Test Preview & Tips - Australia backed for opening Test win over Bangladesh

Bangladesh are looking to bounce back from their humiliating innings and 85-run loss to Zimbabwe in their last Test in late-June. 

Their triumphs over England came by eight wickets, eight wickets, 82 runs and five wickets, with the Aussies far too strong for their opponents. Four wins in their last five comes alongside eight wins in their last 10, with Australia also proving too good for the likes of Sri Lanka and the West Indies. 

The series will see Australia arrive with their top bowling unit intact. Pat Cummins captains the side and leads a line-up that includes Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon, while Scott Boland may also feature. 

Batting has been a bit of an issue, although the likes of Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head are world class when on their game. If Bangladesh can get at Australia's middle-order early then they will be right in the game. However, if Australia's openers can see off the new ball and give Smith and Labuschagne runs on the board, then the pair will be able to go about their normal game and score runs. 

Pat Cummins averaged 16.54 with the ball in 2025 and took 26 wickets in six Tests. I back him to hit the ground running in this series as he leads from the front with the ball. 

A pair of wins over Ireland by an innings and 47 runs and 217 runs led into two stunning wins over Pakistan, with Bangladesh securing statement wins by 104 runs and 78 runs. The feel-good factor in the Test game was at an all-time high, but it was quickly dampened by their shocking innings and 85 run loss to Zimbabwe. 

Admittedly, a bad day in a Test can ruin any hopes of winning the match, especially if an opponent piles on the runs and then takes a number of late wickets. It is worth noting that Bangladesh's four-game winning run was built on wins at home, while their previous foray on the road in a Test saw them draw and lose to Sri Lanka. 

Bangladesh are an undoubtedly talented side that can beat anyone on their day. However, the ability to win consistently on the road is something that is still evading them. Facing a very strong side like Australia is no time to be searching for the answer to poor results on the road.