Murshida back after 20 months as Bangladesh face Australia

Bangladesh have recalled Murshida Khatun after more than 20 months, while Dilara Akter and Disha Biswas have also returned to the squad for their upcoming three-match One Day International series against Australia next month.

The selectors dropped Fahima Khatun, Juairiya Ferdous and Fariha Islam Trisna as they look to address Bangladesh’s prolonged batting struggles. Murshida, who has 32 ODIs, last played against the West Indies in January 2025 and recently featured for Bangladesh Emerging in South Africa.

Dilara, who has three ODIs and 16 T20 International series, returns as Bangladesh continue to search for a settled opening combination. Disha, meanwhile, is yet to make her international debut despite being included in several senior squads.

Seventeen-year-old pacer Habiba Islam Pinky has earned her maiden ODI call-up after featuring for the Emerging team. Nigar Sultana Joty will captain Bangladesh, with Nahida Akter serving as vice-captain.

Australia have also named captain Sophie Molineux despite her ongoing hip injury, with her availability to be assessed closer to the series. Lucy Hamilton will miss the ODIs with a quad strain, while Darcie Brown remains sidelined with a back injury.

Australia national selector Shawn Flegler expects Bangladesh’s bowling attack to provide a strong challenge.

“Bangladesh will be a really good test, particularly with the quality they have in their bowling attack,” Flegler said.

The series, part of the ICC Women’s Championship, will be played in Brisbane on 9, 11 and 14 October. It will be Bangladesh women’s first bilateral series in Australia in any format.

Bangladesh ODI squad: Nigar Sultana (captain), Nahida Akter (vice-captain), Sobhana Mostary, Sharmin Sultana, Sharmin Akter Supta, Sworna Akter, Marufa Akter, Rabeya Khan, Ritu Moni, Sanjida Akter Meghla, Sultana Khatun, Dilara Akter, Fargana Hoque, Disha Biswas, Murshida Khatun, Habiba Islam Pinky.

Australia ODI squad: Sophie Molineux (captain), Tahlia McGrath, Ashleigh Gardner, Nicola Carey, Kim Garth, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham.

Bangladesh dropped: Fahima Khatun, Juairiya Ferdous, Fariha Islam Trisna.

Australia unavailable for ODIs: Lucy Hamilton, Darcie Brown.