Cummins, Hazlewood, Lyon Back for Bangladesh Tests

 

Australia’s Test squad has its familiar spine back.

 

After an injury-hit Ashes summer, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon have all been included for the two-Test series against Bangladesh. Their return gives Australia a near full-strength bowling group again, alongside Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland.

 

The Big Three Return

 

Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon all had interrupted recent months.

 

Hazlewood missed the entire Ashes after suffering an Achilles injury while recovering from a hamstring strain. Lyon underwent surgery after injuring his hamstring in the Adelaide Test, while Cummins played only that Adelaide game after returning from a lower-back stress injury.

 

Cummins and Hazlewood also missed the T20 World Cup before returning at different stages of the IPL, while Lyon has not played a competitive match since the Adelaide Test.

 

Bailey Backs the Returning Trio

 

Australia’s chairman of selectors George Bailey said the National Selection Panel is looking forward to having the senior trio back.

 

“The NSP look forward to the return of Pat, Josh and Nathan.”

— George Bailey.

 

Bailey added that the three players had worked hard with the sport science and medical teams over recent months to recover from their injuries.

 

Neser and Doggett Miss Out

 

The return of Australia’s senior bowlers means Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett have been left out of the squad.

 

Neser had impressed during the Ashes with 15 wickets in three Tests, but with Cummins, Hazlewood, Starc and Boland all available, Australia have gone back to their more established pace core. Doggett and offspinner Todd Murphy remain around the wider group as possible reinforcements.

 

Top Order Remains Unchanged

 

Australia have not made major changes to the top order.

 

Jake Weatherald is set to continue opening with Travis Head, following Usman Khawaja’s retirement. Weatherald scored 201 runs during the Ashes, while Marnus Labuschagne has also been retained despite averaging 28.78 in that series.

 

That suggests Australia want continuity at the top, even while selection pressure remains around some batting spots.

 

Green, Webster and Inglis Add Selection Flexibility

 

Australia’s squad also includes all-rounders Cameron Green and Beau Webster, both of whom could play depending on balance.

 

With Head elevated to opener and Khawaja retired, the middle-order shape remains important. Josh Inglis, included as the spare wicketkeeper, is also in the mix for a batting role.

 

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.

 

WTC Stakes and Schedule

 

The two Tests will be played in Darwin from August 13-17 and Mackay from August 22-26. Australia currently lead the World Test Championship standings with a PCT of 87.50, having won seven of their eight matches in the cycle.

 

This Bangladesh series also begins a heavy stretch for Australia: 14 Tests across eight months, ending with a tour of India and a one-off Test against England at the MCG to mark the 150th anniversary of Test cricket.

 

Interesting Angle for Sportish

 

The most interesting part is not just that Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon are back — it is what their return does to Australia’s depth chart.

 

Neser took 15 wickets in the Ashes and still misses out. Doggett remains outside. Murphy is only a standby option. That tells you how strong Australia’s bowling pool is when the senior names are fit.

 

For Bangladesh, this is a difficult assignment. For Australia, it is a chance to restart their full-strength Test machine before a brutal eight-month red-ball stretch.

 

Key Takeaway

 

Australia have restored their senior bowling core for the Bangladesh Tests, with Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon returning from injury. The 13-man squad keeps faith with the batting group, leaves out Neser and Doggett, and begins a major WTC phase for the current table leaders.

 

Australia’s big guns are back.

Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon return for the Bangladesh Tests as Australia gear up for a huge WTC stretch.

 

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