Australia have named a 13-member squad for their two-match Test series against Bangladesh, marking their first full-strength Test squad in nearly a year.
Captain Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon have all returned to the side after recovering from injuries. Michael Neser, however, has not been included — despite an excellent showing during the Ashes, the experienced pacer has missed out on selection.
The 38-year-old Lyon has returned to full fitness following hamstring surgery in December. Cummins, meanwhile, has not played international cricket since the Ashes due to a back injury, while Hazlewood has also returned to action in the IPL after recovering from hamstring and Achilles issues.
The biggest question facing selectors now is who will make the playing XI. One of Cummins, Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, or Lyon may have to make way, with Boland having often been left out of the side in the past whenever the “big three” pacers have played together.
“Cummins, Hazlewood, and Lyon have worked extremely hard over the past few months, both individually and with the sports science team, to return from their respective injuries,” said George Bailey, chairman of the national selection panel. “While this is a 13-player squad, we have players prepared and available should any adjustments be required. A busy schedule over the next 12 months should present opportunities for many players across all formats.”
With longtime opener Usman Khawaja having retired from international cricket, attention has also turned to his eventual successor in the middle order — with Cameron Green, Beau Webster, or Josh Inglis all potential candidates.
The first Test of the series against Bangladesh begins on August 13 at Marrara Stadium in Darwin, with the second and final Test to follow on August 22 at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay. This will mark Bangladesh’s first Test series on Australian soil since 2003.
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, Beau Webster.
