Bangladesh pace bowler Shoriful Islam has insisted he is not losing sleep over missing out on a place in the playing XI for the historic opening Test against Australia in Darwin, a match the visitors famously won by nine wickets to record their first Test victory on Australian soil.

Speaking to reporters in Mackay ahead of the second Test, Shoriful rejected any suggestion that he had been unlucky to sit out the series opener, arguing instead that the break had allowed him to return to the squad with fresh legs.

"No, not unlucky (to miss out the opening Test)," Shoriful told reporters on Tuesday. "Whatever happens doesn't happen with prior notice. After the injury, I got a few days of rest and did my rehab. I think it was good for my body."

The injury opened the door for Ebadot Hossain to feature in Darwin, and Shoriful is now available for selection for the second Test at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, which starts on Saturday, August 22.

'Happier than anyone else in Bangladesh'

Despite not playing, Shoriful expressed his delight at Bangladesh's landmark triumph in Darwin and underlined his readiness to feature at Mackay if called upon.

"I always prayed for those who were playing so that they could give their best and we could win. When we won the match, I was happier than anyone else in Bangladesh," he said.

"I felt really good. Alhamdulillah. It feels great to be part of such a victory, at least I made it into the picture even if I wasn't in the squad (laughs). It feels really good. I will try to carry this forward. I am always ready. Let's see, if it's in my destiny, In Sha Allah (playing the match)," he added.

Mackay conditions 'suitable for us'

Bangladesh reached Mackay on Tuesday after a near 14-hour stay at the airport following a flight delay, but Shoriful played down any concerns. He reasoned that the Mackay weather would actually suit his side, given it is less hot and humid than both Darwin and conditions back home in Bangladesh.

"I wouldn't call it a long journey, our transit just became longer because the flight was delayed," he said. "Of course, when I was in Darwin, it was hotter than here. The weather here is good for us because it is very hot back home. Compared to that, it is suitable for us."

Shoriful also revealed that former pace bowling coach Allan Donald has stayed in touch with the squad since his departure, sending personal messages of encouragement.

"He (Donald) sends personal text messages to everyone. He texted me, saying: 'Best of luck, you've returned from injury, hopefully you will play the next match, best wishes to you'," Shoriful said.

Eyes on a historic series win

With Bangladesh having kickstarted preparations in Mackay, Shoriful is firmly focused on sealing a famous series victory over Australia in the World Test Championship contest, a result that would keep the tourists well placed in the race for the final.

"Of course," he said when asked about the possibility of winning the series. "Which team does not want to win a series? We also want to win the series. In Sha Allah, we will try."