Bangladesh are determined to give Australia a tough fight when the first Test of the two-match series gets underway at Marrara Stadium in Darwin on Thursday.
The match will begin at 6:30 am Bangladesh time.
The Test marks Bangladesh's return to Australia in the longest format after 23 years. Darwin has previously hosted only two Tests-Bangladesh's match against Australia in 2003 and Sri Lanka's Test against Australia in 2004.
After a 22-year gap, Darwin will host another Test as Bangladesh prepare to face a full-strength Australian side in challenging conditions.
Australia has traditionally been one of the toughest destinations for visiting teams, particularly for sides from the subcontinent. India are the only Asian team to have won a Test series in Australia twice.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said his team would focus on playing quality cricket throughout the match rather than worrying about its duration.
"As players, we want to play good cricket for five days. We want to play each session by session, which is what we always say," Shanto said ahead of the Test.
"Each session is important. Will it be four days, five days, or three days-there will be such discussions. But as players, we will always aim to see how well we can play cricket."
Bangladesh have played six Tests against Australia, winning only once-a memorable 20-run victory in Mirpur in 2017. They lost the other five, including both Tests during their previous tour of Australia in 2003. Three of those defeats came by an innings.
Bangladesh, however, will draw confidence from their recent success against Australia, having won a three-match ODI series at home 2-1.
"The ODI victory against Australia was amazing. Even though the format and condition are different, the victory would definitely inspire us," Shanto said.
The Bangladesh captain believes the current team is considerably stronger and more experienced than the side that toured Australia in 2003.
"Everything was changed since then. We have come a long way. I believe we are a confident side at this moment. I hope the players would prop up their game to give Australia a tough fight," he said.
Shanto also hopes that wicketkeeper-batter Liton Das would be available for the opening Test after recovering from injury.
Meanwhile, Australia captain Pat Cummins announced his playing XI today, with Cameron Green and Beau Webster earning places in the side.
Cummins will lead a formidable pace attack featuring Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, while veteran spinner Nathan Lyon has also been included in the side.
