SerpApi.Org
Australia have recalled captain Pat Cummins and senior bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon for the upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh, with the selectors naming a near full-strength 13-player squad for the World Test Championship fixtures in Darwin and Mackay.
The National Selection Panel announced the squad on Monday, confirming the return of three of Australia's most experienced campaigners after injury setbacks disrupted their home summer. Australia will face Bangladesh in Darwin from August 13 to 17 before travelling to Mackay for the second Test from August 22 to 26.
Cummins' comeback is particularly significant. The Australian skipper has not featured since the Ashes victory in Adelaide, having been sidelined by a back stress complaint. Remarkably, the third Ashes Test against England remains the only international appearance for the 33-year-old in the past year across all formats.
Australia will hope that Cummins can enjoy an extended run in the side, with a packed calendar looming. The reigning World Test Championship holders could play as many as 21 Tests over the next 12 months if they qualify for the WTC final once again.
Hazlewood and Lyon are also back after lengthy absences. Lyon, Australia's most successful off-spinner, missed a significant portion of the previous season, while Hazlewood has battled hamstring and Achilles injuries in recent years. Both bowlers have returned to competitive cricket, with Hazlewood featuring in the Indian Premier League earlier this year.
SENIOR STARTS RETURN AS SELECTORS BACK EXPERIENCE
The selectors have opted for proven performers despite impressive displays from Australia's fringe players during the injury-hit summer. Michael Neser, who was part of the extended squad and impressed during the Ashes campaign, was left out of the 13-man group despite strong performances with both bat and ball.
Todd Murphy and Brendan Doggett, who were involved with the squad during Australia's most recent Test in Sydney, have also missed out but remain on standby.
The series will mark Australia's first Test assignment since veteran opener Usman Khawaja's retirement, bringing an end to one of the most successful late-career revivals in Australian cricket.
Chair of selectors George Bailey welcomed the return of Australia's frontline bowlers and praised the work they had put in during rehabilitation.
"The NSP look forward to the return of Pat, Josh and Nathan. They have worked extremely hard, individually and with the SSSM teams, over the past few months to return from their respective injuries," Bailey said.
He added that while only 13 players had been selected, several others remained in contention as Australia prepare for a demanding schedule across all formats over the next year.
Australia squad for Bangladesh Test series
Pat Cummins, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster
