Waugh insists he is as fit now as he was when he was 20

It will be the first time the two sides have met since the tourists were granted Test-playing status in 2000.

It will also see the first Test matches to be played in the norhern cities of Darwin and Cairns.

There has been intense speculation about Waugh's future in recent months but results have not suffered, with Australia beating England 4-1 on home soil and then winning a four-Test series in the West Indies by a 3-1 margin.

"I'm preparing as if I'm going to keep on playing.

"I haven't made a final decision, but it's all very positive. I'm pretty keen," he commented.

The two Tests next month are expected to be mis-matches, with many observers predicting that neither will last beyond the third day unless they are interrupted by the bad weather.

Such a view is born out by statistics, with Bangladesh having lost 18 of the 19 Tests they have played.

You've got to give them opportunities Waugh on Bangladesh

Their sole consolation came against Zimbabwe at Dhaka in November 2001 when the final two days play were washed out, enabling them to escape with a draw.

Despite their poor record, Waugh has defended their right to compete in Test cricket.

"It's just a matter of having faith in these teams," he said.

Waugh's twin brother, Mark, has, meanwhile, confirmed that he plans to play another season of first-class cricket for New South Wales.

He retired from international cricket last October.