Bangladesh wicketkeeper Litton cleared for series opener v Australia

Litton Das trains in Darwin after being cleared to play the first Test against Australia.

Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das has been cleared to play in the first test against Australia in Darwin beginning on Thursday after recovering from a calf injury. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said Litton was 100% fit after completing batting and wicketkeeping drills at Marrara Stadium on Wednesday.

Litton had been sidelined since June with a left calf injury and was initially ruled out of the opening test of the two-match series. He was added to the squad on August 1 after positive progress in his recovery and flew to Darwin on Sunday to join the rest of the team.

The wicketkeeper-batter took part in a brief net session before joining the team's slips practice, with medical staff satisfied with his condition. Shanto confirmed that Litton is available for selection for the first Test, which begins on August 13.

Litton's return provides a boost to Bangladesh's batting and wicketkeeping options ahead of the historic series opener. He has been a key player for Bangladesh in recent years and his availability adds experience to the squad.

The first Test in Darwin will be Bangladesh's first test match in Australia since 2003. The visitors will face a full-strength Australian attack featuring Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon