Australia have named a powerful 13 player squad for their two Test World Test Championship series against Bangladesh. Captain Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon return after injury interruptions, strengthening Australia bowling attack. The series will also help shape Australia post Usman Khawaja batting order.
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| Pat Cummins returns as Australia prepare for the Bangladesh Test series. |
Australia have brought back several of their biggest Test stars for the upcoming Bangladesh series, with captain Pat Cummins returning to the squad alongside Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon.
The 13 player Australia Test squad gives the World Test Championship leaders a major boost ahead of the two match series, which begins in Darwin on August 13. The return of three experienced bowlers could allow Australia to field its strongest attack in more than a year.
Pat Cummins Leads Australia Test Comeback
Pat Cummins is set to make his return to Test cricket after an injury disrupted period.
The Australian captain has been included for both matches against Bangladesh after playing only a limited role during the previous Ashes campaign. His return gives Australia not only a world class fast bowler but also the leadership stability that has become central to the team recent success.
Josh Hazlewood also returns after missing the Ashes because of injury issues, while Nathan Lyon has been recalled after a hamstring problem interrupted his involvement in the series against England.
Australia Could Reunite Its Elite Bowling Attack
The squad creates the possibility of Australia selecting a formidable attack featuring Cummins, Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Lyon.
However, selection will not be straightforward. Scott Boland performed strongly during Hazlewood absence and now faces a difficult battle for a place in the final XI. Australia may need to decide whether conditions favor an additional fast bowler or the experience of Lyon off spin.
Australia Face a New Batting Challenge After Khawaja Retirement
The series will also provide another important test for Australia top order following the retirement of Usman Khawaja.
Travis Head, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne remain key parts of the batting lineup, while Jake Weatherald is among the players competing for a regular position near the top of the order.
Cameron Green and Beau Webster add further all-round options, giving Australia flexibility in how it balances its batting depth and bowling attack. Josh Inglis is also included as additional wicketkeeping and batting cover alongside Alex Carey.
Jake Weatherald Under the Spotlight
One of the biggest selection questions will involve Jake Weatherald.
The left handed batter has been given another opportunity in Australia Test setup, but the Bangladesh series could become an important chance to establish himself in the long term top order.
With Khawaja no longer available, Australia must identify a reliable opening combination for the next phase of its Test cycle. That makes the Darwin Test particularly important for the team batting plans.
Michael Neser Misses Out Despite Strong Ashes Form
The return of Australia senior bowlers has created a difficult selection situation for several players.
Michael Neser, Todd Murphy and Brendan Doggett are the notable omissions from the group that featured in Australia most recent Test campaign. Neser, in particular, misses out after making a strong impact during the Ashes.
The decision highlights the depth available to Australia. Even players who perform well can find themselves outside the main squad when established stars return from injury.
Why the Bangladesh Series Matters for the World Test Championship
The two Test series is part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle.
Australia currently sit at the top of the WTC standings, while Bangladesh are also positioned among the leading teams. That means the series carries important championship points for both sides rather than serving as a simple warm up campaign.
Australia will enter the contest as the stronger ranked side, but Bangladesh remain a team capable of testing opponents, particularly when their spinners become influential in long Test matches.
Australia vs Bangladesh Test Series Schedule
The two teams will meet in two Tests across Australia northern regions.
First Test
Dates: August 13–17, 2026
Venue: Marrara Stadium, Darwin
Second Test
Dates: August 22–26, 2026
Venue: Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay
Australia 13 Player Test Squad
- 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
- Beau Webster
The Biggest Selection Battle Before the First Test
Australia biggest decision may come in the bowling department.
With Cummins, Hazlewood, Starc, Lyon and Boland all available, the selectors have more high quality options than they had during the injury hit Ashes campaign.
The final combination could depend heavily on the pitch and conditions in Darwin. If Australia wants maximum pace, Boland could face competition for a place. If the surface offers assistance to spin, Lyon experience could become essential.
Either way, Australia squad selection shows that the team has regained considerable depth at a crucial point in the World Test Championship cycle.
The Bangladesh series will therefore be about more than simply returning injured players. It will also help Australia define its bowling combination, settle its post Khawaja batting order and build momentum for a demanding Test schedule ahead.