Australia National Cricket Team has announced the squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh. The first match is scheduled to take place at the Marrara Cricket Ground (MCG 2), Darwin, from August 13. Captain Pat Cummins returns to the Test side after being left out of most of the Ashes games late last year and early this year.
Cricket Australia has announced a 13-member squad for the upcoming game. Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon have also returned to the team. Australia will field a full-strength team for the first Test in August.
Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood return for Australia
Josh Hazlewood returned after missing the entire Ashes series due to an Achilles injury while recovering from a hamstring injury. Veteran spinner Nathan Lyon underwent surgery after suffering a hamstring injury in the third Test in Adelaide.
Pat Cummins played in only one game in Adelaide after recovering from his back injury. Later, after the Ashes were secured, Australia did not risk him, as he did not feature in the final two Tests of the series. Both Cummins and Hazlewood could not play in the T20 World Cup 2026 but made a comeback in the IPL.
“They have worked very hard”- George Bailey on the return of senior cricketers
Australia chairman of selection committee George Bailey said the management is happy to have Hazlewood, Cummins and Lyon back in the squad as they have worked hard to regain their full fitness. If any injuries occur in these matches, the management is ready to make any adjustments in the series.
“NSP [National Selection Panel] Chairman of selectors George Bailey said Pat, Josh and Nathan are expected to return. He has worked very hard individually and with SSSM. [Sport Science Sports Medicine] In the last few months, teams have been making a comeback after recovering from their respective injuries.”
“Although this is a squad of 13 players, we have players ready and available should any adjustments be required ahead of these matches,” Bailey said.
“As previously stated, the volume and schedule of cricket over the next 12 months is likely to provide further opportunities for many players across all formats.”
Michael Neser was dropped after a brilliant performance against England
Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett have been left out due to the return of senior cricketers. Neser was a star in the three Test matches he played and took 15 wickets in the Ashes. Todd Murphy also missed out, but could be recalled if there is a need during the latter stages of the Test series.
The two Tests, part of the current World Test Championship cycle, will take place in Darwin (13-17 August) and Mackay (22-26 August). This is the start of a marathon schedule as the Australian team has to play 14 Tests in eight months, so the players need to stay fit and try to play as many games as possible.
Australia team for Bangladesh test: 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