Australia have announced a 13-strong squad for the two-Test series against Bangladesh, starting August 13.
Australia pick full-strength bowling attack with Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon back
The star bowling trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon return to the squad, while Michael Neser misses out. Cummins played just one Test in the 2025/26 Ashes; Lyon featured in two; while Hazlewood missed the series altogether and last played Test cricket in July 2025 on Australia’s tour of the West Indies.
Neser, meanwhile, played three Tests in the Ashes and picked up 15 wickets at 19.93 each, including a five-wicket haul in Brisbane. Jake Weatherald holds onto his spot despite a middling Ashes, and will likely open the innings with Travis Head. Both seam-bowling all-rounders, Cameron Green and Beau Webster, have been picked as well (Webster also bowls spin), along with wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis – all of whom are contenders to take up the opening spot vacated by Usman Khawaja’s retirement.
Australia are notably scheduled to play as many as 15 Tests until next June (16, if they make the World Test Championship final). The Ashes in England is scheduled right after the final, taking the number of potential Tests up to 21 over the next 12 months.
Chief selector George Bailey addressed Australia’s packed schedule while announcing the squad, stressing that they had “players prepared and available should any adjustments be required in the lead up to these matches. As previously stated, the volume of cricket and schedule across the next 12 months are likely to present further opportunities across all formats for many players."
The first Test of the two-match series starts on August 13 in Darwin, while the second Test is scheduled to start on August 22 in Mackay. This is Bangladesh’s first Test tour of Australia since 2003.
Australia squad for Bangladesh Tests
Batters: Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Jake Weatherald
Wicketkeepers: Alex Carey, Josh Inglis
All-rounders: Cameron Green, Beau Webster
Bowlers: Pat Cummins, Scott Boland, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon.
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