Australia have welcomed back three of their biggest stars for the upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh, with captain Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon all returning to the 13-man squad after recovering from injuries.
The trio missed Australia’s last Test against England in Sydney in January, but they now replace Michael Neser, Todd Murphy and Brendan Doggett in the main squad. Neser featured in three Ashes Tests, including the final two, and impressed with his performances, while Murphy and Doggett remained unused during the Sydney Test. All three have been placed on standby for the Bangladesh series.
The two-match series, which will be played in Darwin and Mackay during August, marks the beginning of a demanding schedule for Australia. The team is set to play at least 20 Tests over the next 11 months, with a possible ICC World Test Championship final also on the calendar before next year’s Ashes in England.
National selector George Bailey expressed confidence in the returning trio, praising the effort they put into their rehabilitation.
“The NSP looks forward to the return of Pat, Josh and Nathan. They have worked extremely hard, individually and with the sports science and sports medicine teams, over the past few months to return from their respective injuries,” Bailey said.
Bailey also noted that although Australia have announced a 13-player squad, additional players remain on standby if changes become necessary before the series begins.
Usman Khawaja’s retirement has left a vacancy in Australia’s batting order, but selectors have opted against bringing in a new specialist batter. Cameron Green is expected to move into the No. 5 position after batting lower down the order during the Ashes, while Beau Webster is likely to retain his place in the side.
Josh Inglis has been included as the reserve batter and wicketkeeper after featuring as a specialist batter during last summer’s Ashes series.
Jake Weatherald has also retained his opening position alongside Travis Head. The pair shared four half-century partnerships during the Ashes, although Weatherald will be aiming for a more significant individual contribution after scoring just one fifty in his first 10 Test innings at an average of 22.33. Marnus Labuschagne is expected to continue at No. 3, with Steven Smith remaining at No. 4.
Bailey believes Weatherald showed encouraging signs during the Ashes and hopes he continues to develop at Test level.
“There were moments in that series where we liked the combination of what Jake and Travis were able to bring, both collectively and individually. Hopefully we see further growth and a better understanding of what it takes to succeed at Test level,” Bailey said.
Hazlewood’s return creates a selection dilemma for Australia, with Scott Boland pushing strongly for a place after an outstanding run in the Test side. Boland has claimed 82 wickets at an average of 18.58 in just 19 Tests and has remained fit while several frontline fast bowlers battled injuries.
Hazlewood has endured an injury-plagued run over recent seasons, dealing with side strains, calf, hamstring and Achilles problems that have repeatedly interrupted his Test career. Despite those setbacks, Australia remain confident he can play a key role during the busy international schedule.
Bailey acknowledged that Australia’s fast bowlers will be managed carefully throughout the next year, with workload and playing conditions influencing team selection from series to series.
Australia’s squad for the Bangladesh Tests includes Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald and Beau Webster.
