Australia Begin 20-Test Marathon Against Injury-Hit Bangladesh in Darwin

Australia begin one of their busiest periods in Test cricket when they face an injury-hit Bangladesh in the opening match of a two-Test series at Marrara Stadium in Darwin on Thursday.

The match marks the return of Test cricket to Australia's tropical Top End for the first time since 2003. It is also Bangladesh's first Test tour of Australia in more than two decades.

The series is the opening chapter of a gruelling 20-Test schedule over the next 12 months for Australia, with major assignments against South Africa, New Zealand, India and England, followed by an away Ashes campaign.

Australia are set to welcome back key members of their bowling attack. Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon have returned after injury issues, while Mitchell Starc remains a key part of the pace attack. Scott Boland and all-rounders Cameron Green and Beau Webster provide further options.

Australia's batting, however, carries some uncertainty. Jake Weatherald, the first Test player from Australia's Northern Territory, has retained his place despite inconsistent form and is expected to open with Travis Head following Usman Khawaja's retirement.

Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne will anchor the middle order, with Labuschagne under pressure to produce runs.

Bangladesh face a major challenge with several players unavailable. Nahid Rana, Mustafizur Rahman and Shoriful Islam will miss the opening Test, while experienced batter Mushfiqur Rahim is also out with a finger injury.

Rana's absence is particularly significant after his pace helped Bangladesh secure a 2-1 ODI series win over Australia recently.

Bangladesh's concerns deepened when they were dismissed for just 54 runs against a Cricket Australia XI in their warm-up game.

After Bangladesh, Australia travel to South Africa before hosting New Zealand, touring India and facing England in a special Melbourne Test, before the Ashes brings the marathon to a close.