Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood & Nathan Lyon Return! Australia Unveil Strong Test Squad for Bangladesh Series

Cricket Australia (CA) has announced a formidable 13-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, with the return of three of its biggest stars—Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon.

The series, beginning on August 13, marks an important phase in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27, where Australia currently sit comfortably at the top of the standings after a dominant start to their campaign.

Australia’s Pace Attack Gets a Massive Boost

The biggest talking point from the squad announcement is the return of captain Pat Cummins, fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon, all of whom have recovered from injury setbacks.

Cummins featured in just one Test during the 2025-26 Ashes due to fitness concerns, while Hazlewood missed the entire Ashes campaign. Meanwhile, Nathan Lyon has not played competitive cricket since suffering a hamstring injury during the Adelaide Test, forcing him to miss the final two Ashes matches.

Their return restores Australia’s first-choice bowling attack ahead of an important home assignment.

Top Order Sees Fresh Combination

Australia’s batting order will also have a fresh look following the retirement of veteran opener Usman Khawaja from Test cricket.

The selectors have promoted Travis Head to the top of the order, where he is expected to partner Jake Weatherald as Australia’s new opening pair.

The middle order remains packed with experience, featuring stars such as Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, and wicketkeeper Alex Carey, giving the hosts a balanced and experienced batting lineup.

Ashes Performers Miss Out

The return of Australia’s frontline bowlers means several players who impressed during the Ashes have been left out of the final squad.

All-rounder Michael Neser, who claimed 15 wickets in three Tests, and fast bowler Brendan Doggett, who picked up seven wickets in two matches, have not been included.

Off-spinner Todd Murphy has also missed selection. However, all three players will continue training with the national squad and remain available as injury replacements if required during the series.

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Bangladesh Return to Australia After 23 Years

The upcoming tour is a historic one for Bangladesh, who will play a Test series in Australia for the first time in 23 years.

The teams have met only six times in Test cricket, with Australia winning five matches. Bangladesh’s lone victory came in Mirpur in 2017, where they stunned the Australians with a memorable 20-run win.

The visitors will now aim to create another upset against the world’s top-ranked Test side.

Series Schedule

The two-match series will be played across northern Australia:

• First Test: August 13–17, Marrara Cricket Ground, Darwin
• Second Test: August 22–26, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay

WTC Points at Stake

The series carries added significance as part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27.

Australia currently lead the WTC standings after winning seven of their first eight Tests, while Bangladesh occupy fourth place with two victories, one draw and one defeat from four matches.

A successful home series would further strengthen Australia’s position before tougher overseas assignments later in the cycle.

Australia’s Squad for Bangladesh Tests

The squad includes Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, and Beau Webster.

With their premier bowling attack back together and plenty of experience throughout the squad, Australia will head into the series as overwhelming favourites, while Bangladesh will be hoping to script another memorable chapter in their Test history.