Key Takeaways
- Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon return from injury to Australia's squad.
- The trio will play in two-Test series against Bangladesh starting August 13th.
- Australia captain George Bailey says the team has depth despite injuries.
Australia’s national cricket team has named a 13-man squad for upcoming Test matches against Bangladesh, with key players Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon returning from injury. The two-Test series will take place in Darwin (August 13-17) and Mackay (August 22-26), as part of the World Test Championship cycle.
Captain George Bailey stated that while the 'big four' of Cummins, Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Lyon have not played together since a tour to West Indies last year due to injuries, it is too early to confirm their participation in the upcoming series. ‘We won’t be locking in an 11 this far out,’ Bailey said during a video call with reporters.
Hazlewood, who has been one of Australia’s most effective bowlers with 295 Test wickets at an average of 24.21, missed the entire Ashes series due to hamstring and Achilles injuries. His return means Scott Boland, who took 20 wickets in England despite the team's defeat, faces stiff competition for a place.
The squad includes South Australia opener Jake Weatherald, retained despite his poor performance during the Ashes where he averaged just 22.33 across five matches. Bailey noted that selectors saw potential growth and understanding of test level requirements from Weatherald’s partnership with Travis Head during the Ashes.
Cameron Green has also been included in the squad after a disappointing Ashes campaign, alongside Beau Webster as one of two all-rounders selected. Josh Inglis was retained for his middle-order batting options.
Australia currently leads the World Test Championship table and aims to secure a series win against fourth-placed Bangladesh before embarking on a tour to South Africa in October.
We won’t be locking in an 11 this far out
George Bailey, Chief Selector
