Australia have recalled captain Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon for the upcoming two-Test home series against Bangladesh, restoring the team’s experienced bowling core ahead of a crucial stretch in the ICC World Test Championship cycle. The trio’s return gives the squad a familiar look after injury setbacks limited their involvement over recent months, while selectors have largely retained faith in the batting group despite mixed performances during the Ashes.
Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon strengthen Australia’s bowling attack
The return of Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon is the biggest takeaway from Australia’s 13-member squad announcement. All three veterans spent significant time on the sidelines due to injuries, leaving Australia to rotate their bowling resources throughout the Ashes.
Hazlewood missed the entire Ashes campaign after suffering an Achilles problem while recovering from a hamstring injury. Lyon has not played competitive cricket since injuring his hamstring during the Adelaide Test, an injury that eventually required surgery. Cummins, meanwhile, featured only in the Adelaide Test as he worked his way back from a lower back stress injury before being rested as a precaution once Australia had secured the Ashes.
Both Cummins and Hazlewood also missed the T20 World Cup before returning to action during the Indian Premier League, making this series their first opportunity to reunite with Lyon in Australia’s Test setup.
The return of the experienced trio has resulted in Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett missing out despite impressive performances during the Ashes. Neser claimed 15 wickets in three Tests, while Doggett provided valuable support whenever called upon. Off-spinner Todd Murphy has also not been included in the main squad, although all three remain in contention should injury replacements become necessary during the series.
Selectors back batting unit despite recent struggles
Australia have resisted making major changes to their batting order, signalling confidence in players who came under scrutiny during the Ashes. Jake Weatherald has retained his place despite scoring only 201 runs in the series and is expected to open alongside Travis Head, who has been promoted permanently to the top of the order following Usman Khawaja‘s retirement.
Marnus Labuschagne has also survived the selection axe despite enduring another inconsistent campaign. The right-hander managed 259 runs at an average of 28.78 during the Ashes after previously being dropped during Australia’s tour of the West Indies. His inclusion suggests selectors believe the experienced batter can quickly rediscover his best form.
Steve Smith remains the backbone of the batting lineup, while Alex Carey continues as the first-choice wicketkeeper. Josh Inglis has been named as the reserve wicketkeeper and could challenge for a middle-order role if Australia opt for additional batting depth. The pace attack will also feature Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland, with all-rounders Cameron Green and Beau Webster offering extra balance through both batting and seam bowling.
The two-match series against Bangladesh marks the start of an intense period for Australia in red-ball cricket. The opening Test will be played in Darwin from August 13 to 17, followed by the second Test in Mackay from August 22 to 26. These matches are part of the ongoing World Test Championship and begin a demanding schedule that will see Australia play 14 Tests over the next eight months.
Australia squad for Bangladesh Tests: 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
