A possibility of rain looms large in the first Test as Bangladesh take on Australia for the first time after 11 years in a series in the longer version format, making them as the people’s favourite because of their recent astonishing surge. Weather forecast a light to heavy shower in the entire five days of the cricket to possibility cut off one or two sessions every day but the passion regarding the Test is understandably palpable.

Australia’s reluctance to schedule a Test series against Bangladesh made it more engrossing. Since they last met in 2006 when Jason Gillespie, the former Australian fast bowler, made the unlikeliest double-century in Test history, so much happened in the world cricket. And the best thing is for Bangladesh is that they evolved to be a stronger nation from a team to occasional flashes of brilliance in those periods.

In 2008, Australia were scheduled to host Bangladesh for two winter Tests, but that series was postponed until 2010 due to a clash with the Beijing Olympics. The 2010 series didn't happen either. In 2011 Australia were scheduled to play two Tests but they made it up with three ODIs. They refused to tour Bangladesh in 2015 after getting a security advice from their government. And when finally the much-delayed tour was scheduled in 2017, the fate of the series was uncertain because of the pay dispute between Cricket Australia and its players. The long and bitter pay dispute is now past following an amicable solution between the two parties but now the rain threatens to interrupt the proceedings.

“Weather could play a big factor. But it could have a good Test if it is played over three or four days despite being on and off because of weather,” Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim said.

Bangladesh comfortably beat England by 122 runs inside three days last year to level the series last time they played at home. They then also leveled the series against Sri Lanka, beating Sri Lanka by three wickets in Colombo Test, that happened to be Bangladesh’s 100th Test.

In between they though lost the series against New Zealand and India, Bangladesh was able to push both of the sides, indicating their gradual progress in the longer version format.  

Australia’s performance in the sub-continent in the last decade is miserable—winning just two off 20 matches. But still there is confidence to take, specially from their tour in India earlier this year, where they despite being defeated by 2-1, were able to give India torrid time in rage turner.

A similar turning track is on the card in the series as well though Mushfiqur Rahim said he has concern over the wicket because of the weather.

“There is concern over wicket. And it is tough to read Mirpur’s wicket. Weather and condition is also different. Even though we got opportunity to practice there, it is difficult to predict the wicket. In this sort of weather the nature of the wicket keeps changing always,” Mushfiqur said.

But Australia captain Steven Smith believed it would be a traditional sub-continent wicket and hence he emphasized on adjusting with it.

“I had a look on the wicket. I think it will be quite slow and make some spin as the game goes on. No real surprise for me. We have to adapt to the condition,” Smith pointed out.

From Australia’s point of view, this is a must-win series for them. Should Australia lose 2-0, they would fall to sixth on the ICC Test rankings, their lowest ever. For Bangladesh however a series win at any margin would help them to move up in the eighth in the rankings for first time.

However while Australia confirmed their final XI going into the first match, Bangladesh are yet to decide on it. Steven Smith confirmed that they will go with two spinners in Nathan Lyon and Ashton Agar with David Warner, Matthew Renshaw, Usman Khawaja, Peter Handscomb, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Wade, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Smith himself making the line-up.

Bangladesh may drop Mominul Haque, Shafiul Islam and Liton Das from the final XI though there is still discussion whether Shafiul could take the place of Taskin Ahmed. Imrul Kayes is confirmed to take the No. 3 spot after Tamim Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar. Sabbir Rahman will play at No. 4 after which Shakib, Mushfiqur Rahim, Nasir Hossain and  Mehedi Hasan Miraj will come. Taijul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman and Shaiful or Taskin would form the lower order pack.