Australia Names First Test XI in 22 Years Ahead of Match Against Bangladesh

Pat Cummins has confirmed Australia’s lineup for their upcoming Test against Bangladesh, marking the return of Test cricket to Darwin after 22 years. This match sees Australia’s first-choice bowling attack unite for the first time since their tour of the West Indies over a year ago. The squad includes Josh Hazlewood, who has not played international cricket since October due to injury, and Cummins himself, who featured only once against England during the Ashes.

Nathan Lyon also makes his return to the squad after his Ashes series was cut short by a hamstring injury incurred in Adelaide. “I think we were pretty certain we wanted Lyno [Lyon] inside, so just kind of working out what the make-up of the quicks were,” said Cummins. He also praised Hazlewood’s talent, noting the challenges about squad selection.

Cummins expressed excitement over Lyon’s return, referencing his strong performance in Adelaide prior to his injury. “I was even looking at some footage the other day of that Adelaide Test, and I think that’s the best he’s bowled in years,” he noted, emphasizing Lyon’s rigorous training over the past six months.

In the middle order, Cameron Green and Beau Webster will play alongside Alex Carey, while opener Jake Weatherald continues his partnership with Travis Head formed during the Ashes. Although Carey indicated he would be open to batting higher in the order, Cummins confirmed he would remain at number six, highlighting Carey’s successful contributions from that position.

Alongside Boland, Josh Inglis is the other player from the initial squad who did not make the final eleven. Meanwhile, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has not disclosed his full lineup due to some players dealing with “niggles,” although Litton Das has been confirmed fit to play.

The confirmed Australia XI for the first Test against Bangladesh is as follows: Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Beau Webster, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (capt), Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood.

Special Credits: Image Courtesy of Espn