Australia announce playing XI for first Test against Bangladesh
Darwin, August 12
Australia have announced their playing XI for the first Test against Bangladesh, with veteran seamer Josh Hazlewood preferred over Scott Boland as the hosts reunite their pace trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Hazlewood.
Australia captain Cummins confirmed on the eve of the Test that Boland would miss out, with Hazlewood returning to the side for their first Test in eight months.
Nathan Lyon also returns to the XI after missing the latter part of the Ashes due to a hamstring injury. All-rounder Cameron Green has retained his place alongside fellow all-rounder Beau Webster, with Australia continuing with two pace-bowling all-rounders.
Boland had played in all five Ashes Tests last summer, stepping up as Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon missed significant portions of the series. The pacer is expected to remain an important part of Australia's plans during a busy period in which they could play up to 21 Tests over the next 12 months.
The first Test will be played 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.
The two-match Test series between Australia and Bangladesh will be part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2025-2027 cycle. Australia is ranked second in the points table, whereas Bangladesh is placed fourth.
Australia 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 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 squad (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.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Bangladesh in Australia is always a tough tour, but with four all-rounders in their XI, Australia's batting depth looks quite strong. Green and Webster provide balance. Bangladesh will need Mushfiqur and Shakib (well, he's not in the squad!) to step up. Interesting to see how the Tigers handle the pace trio on these bouncy tracks!🏏
Nice to see Travis Head opening. He's in form and can take the game away from the opposition in the first session itself. Australia's pace trio back is a scary thought. Bangladesh need to be very disciplined with the bat. Khelna hi padega bhaiyon! 💪
Respectful criticism: Why play two Test matches in August in Darwin and Mackay? These are more like pre-season venues. The WTC points are on the line, and Bangladesh deserve better quality surfaces. This feels like Australia is trying to play at 'home' venues that suit their conditions, which is fine, but it seems a bit one-sided. Not great for the global appeal of Test cricket.
I think Boland should have been given a chance over Hazlewood on these flat decks. Hazlewood can be a bit predictable early on. But Cummins and Starc with the new ball on a green-ish top will be lethal. Bangladesh's middle order needs to show grit. Mominul and Mushfiqur have the experience! 🐯
This Australian team looks stacked. Smith, Labuschagne, Head, Green, Carey, Webster... that's a serious batting lineup. And then you have Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood bowling. Bangladesh will need their
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