Australia Name Test Squad for Bangladesh Series, Cummins, Lyon and Hazlewood Return

Cricket Australia has announced a strong 13-member squad for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. The two-match series, scheduled to be played in Darwin and Mackay in August, will be part of the ICC World Test Championship.

The opening Test will be held in Darwin from August 13 to 17, while the second and final Test is set to take place in Mackay from August 21 to 25.

The biggest boost for Australia is the return of regular captain Pat Cummins, fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, and veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon, all of whom have recovered from long-term injuries. Meanwhile, the retirement of Usman Khawaja from Test cricket is expected to bring changes to the playing XI. Although Michael Neser, Todd Murphy, and Brandon Doggett, who were part of the squad for the recent Sydney Test, will continue training with the team, they have not been included in the final 13-member squad.

Australia’s chief selector George Bailey welcomed the return of the experienced trio, saying, “We are delighted to have Pat, Josh and Nathan back. They have worked extremely hard over the past few months to recover from their injuries. We have additional players on standby if needed, but we are confident these 13 players will play the key roles throughout the series.”

Australia Test Squad: Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald and Beau Webster.