Bangladesh have recalled experienced wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das for their two-match Test series against Australia after he recovered from a calf injury, strengthening a squad already hit by injuries ahead of the tour.

Litton was not included in the original squad after injuring his left calf during the ODI series against Australia in June. The 31-year-old also missed Bangladesh’s tour of Zimbabwe but has responded well to his rehabilitation programme and will now join the team in Darwin ahead of the opening Test.

“The 31-year-old batsman has been sidelined since June due to the injury, but has responded well to his rehabilitation programme and will be in consideration for selection for the opening Test,” the BCB said in a statement.

“He will fly to Darwin on Sunday to join the squad.”

Litton’s return is a timely boost for Bangladesh, who have already lost fast bowlers Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam to injuries. The batter was Bangladesh’s standout performer in his last Test appearance, scoring 126 and 69 to help secure a 72-run victory over Pakistan in Sylhet in June.

The two-match series against Australia will be Bangladesh’s first Test tour of the country in 23 years. They will begin their preparations with a warm-up match against a Cricket Australia XI in Darwin from August 6 to 8 before the first Test starts on August 13. The second Test will be played in Mackay from August 22.

Bangladesh last played a Test series against Australia in 2017, when they claimed a memorable 1-0 lead in Mirpur before Australia levelled the contest in Chattogram.

Australia currently lead the World Test Championship standings, while Bangladesh are fifth after their recent 2-0 home series victory over Pakistan. However, they suffered a setback with a defeat against Zimbabwe in a one-off Test that was not part of the championship cycle.

Updated Bangladesh squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Soumya Sarkar, Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Amite Hasan, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vice-captain), Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain, Musfik Hasan and Litton Das.