Darwin, 12 August (H.S.): Australia have announced their playing XI for the first Test against Bangladesh, beginning on August 13, with experienced fast bowler Josh Hazlewood returning to the Test side. Scott Boland has been left out, paving the way for Australia’s pace trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Hazlewood to reunite.

Australia captain Pat Cummins confirmed on the eve of the Test that Boland would not feature in the opening match. Hazlewood is making his return to Test cricket after an absence of nearly eight months.

Spinner Nathan Lyon has also returned to the side after missing the latter stages of the Ashes due to a hamstring injury. All-rounder Cameron Green has retained his place, while Beau Webster has also been included in the XI.

Australia have opted to field two pace-bowling all-rounders in their combination for the opening Test.

Boland played all five Tests of last summer’s Ashes series and made a significant contribution to Australia’s bowling attack when Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon were unavailable at different stages. Despite missing out on the first Test against Bangladesh, Boland is expected to remain an important part of Australia’s plans during a demanding schedule. Australia could play as many as 21 Tests over the next 12 months.

The first Test of the two-match series between Australia and Bangladesh will be played from August 13 to 17 at Marrara Stadium in Darwin. The second Test is scheduled from August 22 to 26 at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay.

The series is part of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship cycle. Australia are currently second in the standings, while Bangladesh occupy fourth place.

Australia Playing XI

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

Bangladesh Squad

Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vice-captain), Soumya Sarkar, Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Amit Hasan, Jaker Ali, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury and Mushfiq Hasan.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar