Australia announce playing XI for first Test vs Bangladesh; Hazlewood returns, Weatherald set for debut

Australia captain Pat Cummins has confirmed the playing XI for the opening Test against Bangladesh, with Josh Hazlewood returning to the side as the hosts prepare for the two-match series. The first Test begins on Thursday, August 13, at Marrara Stadium in Darwin, with the second Test scheduled to be played in Mackay from August 22 to 26.

Hazlewood's return is the biggest talking point in Australia's XI, with the experienced pacer getting the nod ahead of Scott Boland. He will join Cummins and Mitchell Starc to form Australia's specialist pace attack, while Nathan Lyon returns to lead the spin department.


Hazlewood returns as Australia reunite experienced attack
Hazlewood's inclusion means Australia will field three of their premier fast bowlers together, with Cummins and Starc completing the pace trio. Nathan Lyon has also been picked after recovering from a hamstring injury, giving Cummins a highly experienced bowling unit for the series opener.

Scott Boland, who was part of Australia's wider squad, misses out on the final XI, while Josh Inglis is also not included.




Weatherald set for Test debut
Jake Weatherald has been handed an opportunity at the top of the order and will open alongside Travis Head. Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith will follow, while Cameron Green and Beau Webster have both been included as pace-bowling all-rounders. Alex Carey will take the gloves, with Cummins leading the side from No. 8.

The inclusion of both Green and Webster gives Australia additional bowling options while also adding depth to the batting order.


Australia Playing XI vs Bangladesh
Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

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Bangladesh squadNajmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vc), Soumya Sarkar, Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Amite Hasan, Jaker Ali, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Musfik Hasan.