Australia have confirmed an unchanged pace attack for the opening Test against Bangladesh in Darwin, with Josh Hazlewood retaining his place ahead of Scott Boland.
Captain Pat Cummins announced the line-up a day before the match, marking the return of Test cricket to Darwin after a gap of 22 years. This will be the first time Australia’s first-choice pace trio has played together since their tour of the West Indies more than a year ago.
Hazlewood Returns After Long Injury Layoff
Hazlewood has not featured in international cricket since October last year, having sat out the entire Ashes series with injury. Cummins himself played only one match against England during that period, his sole Test appearance since the West Indies tour.
Explaining the decision to pick Hazlewood over Boland, Cummins said the coaching staff and selectors were confident about including Nathan Lyon and then worked out the composition of the pace attack around him.
He acknowledged that leaving out Boland was a difficult call, noting his quality, and added that more cricket lies ahead where he will get his chance soon. Alongside Boland, wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis is the other player from the squad who misses out on the XI.
Lyon Back After Hamstring Injury
Nathan Lyon also returns to the side after a hamstring injury cut short his Ashes campaign in Adelaide. The spinner had been dropped for two day-night Tests last year before playing a central role in Adelaide, where his bowling helped Australia seal the Ashes just before he got hurt. Cummins praised Lyon’s current form, saying he had reviewed footage from that Adelaide Test and rated it among the best spells Lyon has bowled in years.
He pointed out that the timing of the injury was unfortunate, but credited Lyon for the effort he has put into his rehabilitation over the past six months, training daily and pushing for this opportunity. Cummins said Lyon looks in excellent shape and is bowling well, adding that having him back adds real value for the team.
Middle Order Settled, Bangladesh Yet to Confirm Line-up
Australia’s batting order sees Jake Weatherald open alongside Travis Head, continuing the pairing they built during the Ashes series. Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith follow at three and four, while Cameron Green and Beau Webster slot in around wicketkeeper Alex Carey in the middle order. Carey had said he would be open to batting higher up the order, but Cummins confirmed he will continue at number six.
The captain explained that Carey has won matches for Australia from that position and that pairing him with Webster at six and seven works well for the team balance. He added that Green suits the number five role and gives the side more flexibility, even though Carey’s batting ability would justify a higher slot.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has not revealed his XI yet, citing a few fitness concerns within the squad. He confirmed, however, that Litton Das has recovered and will be available for selection.
Australia XI for first Test vs Bangladesh
Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Beau Webster, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (capt), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
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