Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said Thursday he had “complete faith” in his injury-hit squad ahead of a two-Test series in Australia, saying those selected have the ability to compete.

Several key players, including fast bowlers Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam, are recovering from injuries.

Wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das is also yet to recover from a calf injury sustained during the home one-day series against Australia in June.

“Nahid Rana, Shoriful and Litton Das are obviously important players,” Shanto told reporters before the team’s departure.

“But those who are in the squad have also been playing for many years. I have complete faith in the team that is going to Australia and believe we can play good cricket.”

The series marks Bangladesh’s first Test tour of Australia in 23 years, with its last visit in 2003.

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Shanto said the tour was an opportunity not only to challenge one of the world’s strongest teams on its home turf but also to earn Australia’s respect and secure more Test matches there in future.

“Our main goal is to play good cricket there and earn respect,” he said.

“If we can play competitive cricket, they’ll definitely invite us again in the future.”

Bangladesh leaves for Australia on Friday and will play a four-day warm-up match against Cricket Australia XI before the opening Test in Darwin on August 13.

The second Test begins in Mackay on August 22.