Australia has announced a 13-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, set to take place next month.
Captain Pat Cummins is ready to make his return, marking his first match of the year.
Cummins has been sidelined since December, and his comeback is highly anticipated. The first Test of the series will commence on August 13. Alongside Cummins, fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood are also included in the squad, posing a significant challenge for the Bangladeshi team.
Spinner Nathan Lyon, who missed the Ashes series due to a hamstring injury, is back in the lineup. Additionally, backup fast bowler Scott Boland and all-rounders Beau Webster and Cameron Green have been selected.
Leading the batting for the top-ranked Australian team in the World Test Championship will be Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Jake Weatherald. Notably, Michael Neser, Todd Murphy, and Brendan Doggett did not make the squad.
Selection chair George Bailey expressed excitement about the return of Cummins, Hazlewood, and Lyon. He noted that they have worked hard with the Sports Science and Sports Medicine teams to recover from their injuries.
Bailey added, “While this is a squad of 13 players, we have ready and available players in case any changes are needed before the matches.” He highlighted that, given the cricket schedule over the next 12 months, many players are likely to receive opportunities across all formats.
Australia currently leads the World Test Championship standings, while Bangladesh is in fourth place. The first Test will be held in Darwin from August 13-17, followed by the second Test in Mackay from August 22-26.
The Australian squad against Bangladesh includes: 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.