Cricket Australia has unveiled the 13-man squad that will contest next month’s two-Test series against Bangladesh, and the standout is the team’s restored frontline bowling attack.
Captain Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon have all recovered from various injuries and will play in Darwin and Mackay. They have just under a month to settle in with the reshuffled squad.
Chair of selectors George Bailey said the veteran trio had completed extensive rehabilitation programs to earn their recalls.
“We look forward to the return of Pat, Josh and Nathan,” Bailey said. “They have worked extremely hard, individually and with the teams, over the past few months to return from their respective injuries.
“While this is a 13-player squad, we have players prepared and available should any adjustments be required in the lead-up,” he added.
“The volume of cricket and schedule across the next twelve months are likely to present further opportunities across all formats for many players.”
Other standouts in the squad include Jake Weatherald retaining his place alongside Travis Head at the top of the order. He was always likely to keep that role considering Usman Khawaja retired.
Cameron Green and Beau Webster are both still in the middle alongside wicketkeeper Alex Carey, while Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, and Josh Inglis round out the batting group.
Michael Neser, Todd Murphy, and Brendan Doggett are the next men up.
Australia’s 13-man squad to face 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 opening Test is scheduled to begin in Darwin on Thursday, August 13 before the series moves to Mackay for the second some nine days later.
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