Captain Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon have all been named in Australia’s 13-man Test squad to face Bangladesh, marking a return from injury for the trio ahead of the two-match series in Darwin and Mackay beginning 13 August.
Ashes pace hero Michael Neser missed out on selection, with Scott Boland retained as the fourth seamer.
All three have battled fitness issues over the past year. Hazlewood, 35, has not played a Test since July 2025, missing both the Ashes and the T20 World Cup in India.
Cummins, 33, has been sidelined since December’s third Ashes Test in Adelaide with a back stress complaint, while the 38-year-old Lyon required surgery after tearing a hamstring in the same match.
Chair of selectors George Bailey said the trio had put in significant work to return. “They have worked extremely hard, individually and with the SSSM teams, over the past few months to return from their respective injuries,” he said, adding that reinforcements remained on standby.
With as many as 21 Tests possible over the next 12 months, including a potential World Test Championship final, managing the trio’s workload will be a priority.
Usman Khawaja’s retirement after the Ashes leaves an opening spot alongside Travis Head, with Jake Weatherald in contention, while Cameron Green or Marnus Labuschagne could fill the number three role.
Australia squad:
Pat Cummins (capt), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster
– AFP
Photo: Paul Harding/Gallo Images
