Cummins and Lyon return as Australia announce Test squad for Bangladesh series

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Australia skipper Pat Cummins, fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon have all overcome injuries to return in a 13-man Test squad named on Monday for the two-match home series against Bangladesh.

The upcoming matches, scheduled to take place in Darwin and Mackay this August, kick off a gruelling run for the Australians, who face a minimum of 20 Tests over the coming 11 months. This stretch includes an Ashes tour of England alongside a potential World Test Championship final berth.

Lead selector George Bailey welcomed the return of the experienced trio.

“The NSP [national selection panel] look forward to the return of Pat, Josh and Nathan,” Bailey said, as per Cricinfo.

“They have worked extremely hard, individually and with the SSSM [sports science, sports medicine] teams, over the past few months to return from their respective injuries,” he added.

Bailey further noted that back-up options are primed to step in given the heavy workload ahead.

“While this is a 13-player squad, we have players prepared and available should any adjustments be required in the lead-up to these matches. As previously stated, the volume of cricket and schedule across the next 12 months are likely to present further opportunities across all formats for many players,” said Bailey.

The inclusion of Cummins, Hazlewood, and Lyon comes at the expense of Michael Neser, Todd Murphy, and Brendan Doggett, all of whom featured in the Ashes finale at Sydney earlier in the year. The omitted trio will remain on standby throughout the Bangladesh series.

This squad also signals a new era for Australia following Usman Khawaja‘s departure from Test cricket. Cameron Green and Beau Webster, who both filled middle-order roles during the Sydney Test, are tipped to hold their spots in the lineup, with Green expected to slot into the No. 5 berth.

Injury-wise, Cummins has been limited to a single Test appearance since last July owing to a back complaint, whereas Lyon returns following surgery for a hamstring rupture suffered during the Adelaide Ashes Test.

Australia Test Squad for Bangladesh series:

Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.

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