Pat Cummins returns as Australia pick full squad for Bangladesh Tests

Australia have recalled captain Pat Cummins and senior bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon for the upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh, with selectors naming an almost full 13-man squad for the World Test Championship matches in Darwin and Mackay.

The national selection committee announced the squad on Monday, confirming the return of three of Australia’s most experienced fighters after their domestic summer was marred by injury setbacks. Australia will face Bangladesh in Darwin from August 13-17 before traveling to Mackay for the second Test from August 22-26.

Cummins’ comeback is particularly significant. The Australian captain has not featured since the Ashes win in Adelaide, having been sidelined with a back stress complaint. Notably, the third Ashes Test against England remains the 33-year-old’s only international appearance in the past year across all formats.

Australia will be hoping Cummins can enjoy a longer run in the side with a busy calendar. The reigning World Test Championship holders could play up to 21 Tests over the next 12 months if they qualify for the WTC finals again.

Hazlewood and Lyon are also back after long absences. Lyon, Australia’s most successful off-spinner, missed much of the previous season, while Hazlewood has struggled with hamstring and Achilles injuries in recent years. Both bowlers have returned to competitive cricket, with Hazlewood making his debut in the Indian Premier League earlier this year.

SENIOR STARTS COMEBACK AS SELECTOR RETURNS EXPERIENCE

The selectors opted for proven performers despite impressive performances from Australia’s fringe players during an injury-plagued summer. Michael Neser, who was part of the extended squad and impressed during the Ashes campaign, was left out of the 13-man squad despite his fine performances with both bat and ball.

Todd Murphy and Brendan Doggett, who were involved in the squad during Australia’s last Test in Sydney, also miss out but remain on standby.

The series will mark the first Test in Australia since the retirement of veteran opener Usman Khawajamarking the end of one of the most successful late-career revivals in Australian cricket.

Chairman of the selectors George Bailey welcomed the return of Australia’s leading bowlers and praised the work they had done during their rehabilitation.

“NSP is looking forward to the return of Pat, Josh and Nathan. They have worked extremely hard over the past few months, individually and with the SSSM teams, to come back from their injuries,” said Bailey.

He added that while only 13 players have been selected, several others remain in contention as Australia prepare for a tough schedule across all formats over the next year.

Australia squad for Test series in Bangladesh

Pat Cummins, 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 end

Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

21 Jul 2026 10:46 IST