Australia have announced a 13-player squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh in August, with captain Pat Cummins, fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon making successful returns after recovering from injuries.
The return of Australia’s experienced bowling trio gives the squad a familiar and balanced look ahead of the opening Test. Hazlewood missed the entire Ashes campaign after suffering an Achilles injury during rehabilitation from a hamstring problem, while Lyon has been sidelined since undergoing surgery following a hamstring injury sustained during the third Ashes Test in Adelaide.
Cummins also made only a limited appearance during the Ashes, featuring solely in the Adelaide Test as he returned from a lower back stress injury. After Australia secured the series, team management rested the captain for the final two Tests to avoid any setbacks.
Both Cummins and Hazlewood were unavailable for the ICC T20 World Cup due to fitness concerns but later returned to competitive cricket during the Indian Premier League (IPL). Lyon, meanwhile, is preparing to make his first competitive appearance since the Adelaide Test.
Australia Squad for Bangladesh Test Series
Australia’s 13-man squad includes:
- 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
- Beau Webster
Selectors Welcome Return of Senior Players
Chairman of Selectors George Bailey expressed confidence in the returning trio, praising their commitment during rehabilitation.
Bailey said the National Selection Panel is pleased to welcome back Cummins, Hazlewood, and Lyon after months of dedicated recovery work alongside Australia’s Sports Science and Sports Medicine staff.
Although only 13 players have been officially selected, Bailey confirmed that additional players remain on standby should injuries or other circumstances require squad changes before or during the series.
He also highlighted Australia’s demanding international schedule over the next year, noting that many players across all formats will continue to receive opportunities.
Neser and Doggett Miss Out
The return of Australia’s frontline fast bowlers means Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett have been omitted from the squad despite impressive recent performances.
Neser claimed 15 wickets during the Ashes, while Doggett has also impressed in domestic cricket. Off-spinner Todd Murphy has likewise been left out but remains with the extended training group and could be called upon if required.
Competition for Playing XI Intensifies
Australia’s pace attack will feature Cummins, Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Scott Boland, while all-rounders Cameron Green and Beau Webster provide additional bowling depth.
With Travis Head expected to continue as an opening batter following Usman Khawaja’s retirement, all-round balance becomes increasingly important. Reserve wicketkeeper Josh Inglis will also be pushing for a middle-order position.
Australia have resisted making significant changes to the batting lineup. Jake Weatherald retains his place despite scoring just 201 runs during the Ashes and is expected to partner Head at the top of the order.
Meanwhile, Marnus Labuschagne has retained the selectors’ confidence despite an inconsistent Ashes campaign, where he averaged 28.78 after previously being dropped during Australia’s tour of the West Indies.
Bangladesh Test Series Schedule
The two-match Test series forms part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC).
- 1st Test: Darwin | 13–17 August
- 2nd Test: Mackay | 22–26 August
The Bangladesh series begins a demanding eight-month period in which Australia will play 14 Test matches, including a major tour of India and a historic one-off Test against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Test cricket.
Australia Lead World Test Championship Standings
Australia head into the Bangladesh series as the leaders of the current World Test Championship standings. The team has won seven of its first eight matches, giving it an impressive 87.50% points percentage (PCT).
With key players returning from injury and a packed Test calendar ahead, Australia will be aiming to maintain their dominance and strengthen their position at the top of the WTC table.
Conclusion
Australia head into the Bangladesh Test series with renewed confidence as the return of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon restores experience and quality to the squad. Their comeback significantly strengthens Australia’s bowling attack ahead of an important World Test Championship challenge.