Bangladesh have known since March that a Test tour of Australia, arguably their biggest red-ball assignment in more than two decades, was on the horizon. Yet, on the eve of departure, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto admitted the side are heading into the series feeling underprepared.
For a team hoping to earn respect in one of cricket's toughest destinations, it was an admission that raised as many questions as the challenge itself.
Darwin has hosted only two Tests, the last in 2004, with Bangladesh playing in the venue's inaugural match in 2003. Mackay, meanwhile, has never staged a Test. While there is little recent data to work with, Australia's pace, bounce and relentless examination of technique have long been defining features of cricket in the country.
While the unfamiliarity of both venues presents a genuine challenge, it is hardly a recent development. The itinerary has been known for months.
"To be completely honest, we don't have much idea [about the conditions], but we are gathering what we can. The analyst has provided some insights, which have been helpful. However, due to rain in Bangladesh, our preparation hasn't been ideal," Shanto said on Thursday before the squad's departure on Friday.
"Players have utilised available facilities, including using granite [slab] and bowling machines. But I still believe that there were deficiencies this time in preparation."
Bangladesh's task has been made tougher by injuries. Express pacer Nahid Rana has been ruled out, while Litton Das will also miss the opener, depriving the visitors of one of their most experienced batters.
Shanto, however, refused to dwell on the absentees.
"I can't expect that as captain, I will always get my best players in the squad," he said.
Instead, another issue looms. The visitors are expected to field four left-handers at the top of the order in Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mominul Haque and Shanto, all set to face Australia's imposing right-arm pace trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland.
"I don't think it would be a big problem since the wicket is usually for seamers. If it was that we will be playing on a spinning track or the bowlers will get a lot of help out of the surface, in that case we think of left and right combinations. But the way modern cricket is going, we do not have too many options to think about it."
Despite the uncertainties, the captain insisted his batters were embracing the opportunity.
"The batters are excited to be facing such challenges. It matters how well we can face up to the challenge and whether we are enjoying ourselves. Personally I am very excited too."
"Our main objective will be to play better cricket there and earn that respect," Shanto said, echoing chief selector Habibul Bashar's message ahead of the tour.
The challenge in Australia was never going to be easy. Yet, after months of knowing what lay ahead, Bangladesh leave for the unknown with preparation emerging as the focal talking point.
