Bangladesh return to Australian shores for the first time in 23 years as the two sides prepare for the opening Test of a two-match series at Marrara Oval, Darwin, from August 13-17. It is a first Test in Australia for every player in the current Bangladesh squad, including Mushfiqur Rahim in his 22nd year as a Test cricketer, and a first for many in the Australian camp too.

The return comes with a distinct Darwin flavour. A nets session two days out from the Test was interrupted by an aerial assault of golf balls from the adjacent Darwin Golf Club that surrounds the two cricket ovals inside Marrara. Marnus Labuschagne blamed Steve Smith for the errant drives, though both were as guilty as teammates for losing their radar.

Conditions and unknowns

Test cricket returns to Darwin after a 22-year hiatus and the unknowns are plentiful. The drop-in pitch had to be delivered in two parts and put together because of logistical restraints. Curators have left more greenery on top than usual and Australian players who inspected the surface describe it as hard as a rock, expected to get quicker as the first day progresses.

Morning dew and extra bounce are the main talking points. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said the side has prepared for bounce at home in the last few months and arrived 10-12 days early to acclimatise. "Bounce is the main key... here there will be a different bounce and we need to prepare ourselves pretty well," Shanto said.

Rain is forecast for Sunday, what would be Day 4, but the torrential wet season has ended for the Northern Territory so weather is unlikely to decide the match. The Test starts at 10:00 hrs local time, 10:30 hrs AEST, 06:00 hrs IST.

Australia at full strength

For the first time in a long while selectors have a fully fit core group. Josh Hazlewood returns for his first Test in a year at the expense of Scott Boland, with captain Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon also back after missing the Adelaide Ashes Test.

All eyes are on Cameron Green who returns to his most productive Shield position at No 5. Australia's likely XI is Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Beau Webster, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood.

"I feel like Greeny's a good No. 5, so you can try and get funky, but we thought that's kind of how the team will function the best," Pat Cummins said.

Bangladesh build around Litton's return

Litton Das' fitness was the major storyline of Bangladesh's build-up. Out of action since June with a left calf injury, the wicketkeeper-batter was initially ruled out of the opener but has now been confirmed "100 percent fit" by Najmul Hossain Shanto.

"Litton gives us batting depth," Shanto said. "He is consistent. We are hopeful of our batting unit doing well in the Test match." The return boosts a line-up that already includes Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

Bangladesh were bowled out for 54 in their second innings against Cricket Australia XI in the lone warm-up, prompting talk about duration. Shanto insisted the camp is not discussing how many days the Test will last. "As players, we want to play five days of cricket, we want to play each session by session, which is what we always say," he said.

With two spinners expected on the surface, Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz have worked extensively with spin consultant Mushtaq Ahmed. The third seamer spot is between Hasan Mahmud and Khaled Ahmed, with Taskin Ahmed set to lead the pace attack. Bangladesh will miss Nahid Rana through injury.

"There will be a challenge and they have been a brilliant bowling attack, world-class bowling attack. But as a team, it's a good opportunity to challenge them and accept those challenges. I'm pretty confident that the boys are ready and they will enjoy this challenge," Shanto added.