Australia have announced a 13-member squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh in August, with captain Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon returning to the side. The experienced trio’s comeback restores a well-known look to the squad after their limited involvement throughout the previous Ashes series.
Hazlewood missed your complete Ashes campaign resulting from an Achilles injury sustained while recovering from a hamstring strain, while Lyon underwent surgery after suffering a hamstring injury throughout the third Test in Adelaide. Cummins made his return from a lower back stress injury within the Adelaide Test, which proved to be his only appearance of the series.
After Australia secured the Ashes, he was rested for the ultimate two Tests as a precaution. Each Cummins and Hazlewood also missed the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka before returning to competitive cricket at different stages of the IPL. Lyon, meanwhile, has not played a competitive match because the Adelaide Test.
Australia squad for Bangladesh Tests: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster
“The NSP [National Selection Panel] sit up for the return of Pat, Josh and Nathan,” chairman of selectors George Bailey said. “They’ve worked extremely hard, individually and with the SSSM [Sport Science and Sports Medicine] teams, over the past few months to return from their respective injuries.”
Senior Pacers Return as Michael Neser, Brendan Doggett Miss Australia’s Bangladesh Test Squad
Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett have missed out on Australia’s squad following the return of senior pacers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. Neser impressed throughout the Ashes with 15 wickets in three Tests, however the experienced duo’s comeback has pushed him out of the 13-member squad.
Nevertheless, Neser, Doggett and off-spinner Todd Murphy have been training alongside the foremost squad and remain in contention should Australia need additional reinforcements throughout the Bangladesh series.
“While it is a 13-player squad, we have now players prepared and available should any adjustments be required within the lead up to those matches,” Bailey said.
“As previously stated, the amount of cricket and schedule across the subsequent 12 months are more likely to present further opportunities across all formats for a lot of players.”
Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland complete Australia’s pace attack alongside all-rounders Cameron Green and Beau Webster, while Josh Inglis stays in contention for a middle-order spot. Jake Weatherald has retained his opening place alongside Travis Head, with Marnus Labuschagne also keeping his spot despite a modest Ashes campaign.
The 2-Test series, which forms a part of the continuing World Test Championship cycle, shall be held in Darwin from August 13-17 and Mackay from August 22-26. The series also begins a busy eight-month period for Australia, with 14 Tests scheduled, including a tour of India and a one-off Test against England on the MCG.
Australia currently sit atop the World Test Championship standings with a points percentage of 87.50, having won seven of their eight matches to this point.
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