Cummins, Hazlewood, Lyon return in Australia's 13-man Bangladesh Test squad
Synopsis
Australia have named their strongest Test line-up in over a year for the Bangladesh series, with Cummins, Hazlewood, and Lyon all back from injury. But the real story is a selection puzzle — three bowlers, limited spots — and a quiet audition for who fills Usman Khawaja's shoes at the top of the order.
Key Takeaways
Pat Cummins , Josh Hazlewood , and Nathan Lyon all return in Australia's 13-man squad for the Bangladesh Test series.
Cummins will play his first Test since December last year ; Lyon missed the latter stages of the Ashes due to a hamstring issue.
The two-match series opens at Marrara Stadium, Darwin on 13 August , followed by the second Test at Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay from 22 August .
This is Bangladesh's first Test tour of Australia since 2003 .
Selectors are assessing replacements for retired opener Usman Khawaja , with Jake Weatherald among the batting options.
Australia lead the World Test Championship standings; Bangladesh are in fourth place .
Australia have named a full-strength Test squad for the first time in over a year, with captain Pat Cummins, pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood, and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon all returning for the two-match series against Bangladesh. The 13-player squad, announced on 21 July, marks a significant selection moment ahead of what will be Bangladesh's first Test tour of Australia since 2003.
Key Returns and Injury Comebacks
Cummins is set to play his first Test match since December last year, while Lyon makes his return after missing a substantial portion of the Ashes series in England due to a hamstring injury. Hazlewood, who has battled hamstring and Achilles issues in recent years, is also back in contention after another extended spell on the sidelines.
Back-up pacer Scott Boland retains his place alongside all-rounders Beau Webster and Cameron Green, giving selectors an enviable depth of options — and an agonising selection headache for the series opener.
The Selection Dilemma
With Hazlewood, Lyon, and Boland all vying for spots, selectors will need to leave one out for the first Test at Marrara Stadium, Darwin, scheduled from 13–17 August. The second match follows from 22–26 August at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay.
Selection chief George Bailey acknowledged the effort put in by the returning trio. 'The NSP (National Selection Panel) look forward to the return of Pat, Josh and Nathan. They have worked extremely hard, individually and with the SSSM (sports science and sports medicine) teams, over the past few months to return from their respective injuries,' Bailey said. He added that the panel has 'players prepared and available should any adjustments be required in the lead up to these matches.'
Khawaja Replacement Search Begins
Selectors are also keeping a close eye on the top-six batting order following the retirement of Usman Khawaja earlier this year. Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and uncapped prospect Jake Weatherald have all been included as batting options, with the series likely to provide a clearer picture of who fills that vacancy long-term.
Notably, Michael Neser, Todd Murphy, and Brendan Doggett — all part of Australia's most recent Test squad against England — have been dropped from the current selection.
Series Context and WTC Standings
Australia currently lead the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, while Bangladesh sit in fourth place. The series represents a rare home assignment against a side that has not toured Australia in Test cricket for over two decades, making it both a competitive fixture and a potential proving ground for fringe players.
Bailey also signalled that the volume of cricket over the next 12 months would open up 'further opportunities across all formats for many players,' hinting at a rotation-heavy approach through a demanding international calendar.
Australia squad: 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.
Point of View
But the more consequential subplot is the Khawaja vacancy. Australia's top-six stability has been a cornerstone of their WTC dominance, and how selectors handle that slot — in a low-pressure series against a fourth-ranked Bangladesh — will set the template for tougher assignments ahead. The selection crunch between Hazlewood, Lyon, and Boland also reveals a depth problem disguised as a luxury: when your best bowlers can't all stay fit simultaneously, rotating them through series becomes structural, not tactical.
NationPress
21 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has returned to Australia's Test squad for the Bangladesh series?
Captain Pat Cummins, pace bowler Josh Hazlewood, and spinner Nathan Lyon have all been named in Australia's 13-man squad after recovering from respective injuries. Cummins will play his first Test since December last year.
When and where will the Australia vs Bangladesh Tests be played?
The first Test runs from 13–17 August at Marrara Stadium in Darwin, and the second from 22–26 August at Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay. This is Bangladesh's first Test tour of Australia since 2003.
Why is Usman Khawaja not in the squad?
Usman Khawaja retired from international cricket at the start of the year. Selectors are now assessing his replacement in the top six, with Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Jake Weatherald all included as batting options.
Who has been dropped from Australia's previous Test squad?
Michael Neser, Todd Murphy, and Brendan Doggett — all part of the squad that faced England earlier this year — have been left out of the Bangladesh series selection.
Where do Australia and Bangladesh stand in the World Test Championship?
Australia currently top the World Test Championship standings, while Bangladesh are in fourth place heading into the series.
