Australia’s Test Squad Announcement
Australia has unveiled their playing XI for the opening Test match against Bangladesh, opting for experienced fast bowler Josh Hazlewood over Scott Boland.
This decision reunites the pace trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Hazlewood.
Captain Pat Cummins confirmed that Boland would not be part of the lineup, marking Hazlewood’s return to the team after an eight-month hiatus. Additionally, Nathan Lyon is back in the squad after recovering from a hamstring injury that sidelined him during the latter stages of the Ashes series.
All-rounder Cameron Green retains his position alongside fellow all-rounder Beau Webster, as Australia continues to field two pace-bowling all-rounders. Boland had participated in all five Ashes Tests last summer, stepping in when Cummins, Hazlewood, and Lyon were unavailable for significant parts of the series.
Despite missing out on this match, Boland is expected to play a crucial role in Australia’s plans during a busy schedule that could see them compete in up to 21 Tests over the next year.
Test Series Schedule and World Test Championship Context
The first Test is scheduled to take place from August 13 to 17 at Marrara Stadium in Darwin, followed by the second Test from August 22 to 26 at Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay. This two-match Test series is part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle for 2025-2027. Currently, Australia holds the second position in the points table, while Bangladesh is ranked fourth.
Playing XI and Squad Details
Australia’s Playing XI for the First Test:
Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Beau Webster, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood.
Australia’s Squad:
Pat Cummins (c), 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.
Bangladesh’s Squad for the First Test:
Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vc), Soumya Sarkar, Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Amite Hasan, Jaker Ali, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Musfik Hasan.