hazlewood returns australia
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Hazlewood returns as Australia name Bangladesh Test XI

DARWIN: Australia have backed experience and pace, selecting Josh Hazlewood ahead of Scott Boland for the opening Test against Bangladesh in Darwin, while veteran spinner Nathan Lyon makes his return from a long-term injury.

The first of the two-Test series begins on Thursday at Marrara Oval, marking Australia’s return to red-ball cricket after a lengthy break. The match also launches a demanding period that could see the world’s top-ranked Test side play as many as 21 Tests over the next 12 months.

Hazlewood’s return is one of the biggest talking points. The fast bowler missed Australia’s entire 2025/26 home Ashes campaign because of injury, allowing Boland to feature in all five Tests.

Boland impressed during the series, but his performances were not enough to displace a fit-again Hazlewood. The selection means Hazlewood will once again join Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc in Australia’s pace attack, a combination that has been a defining feature of the side for years.

Cummins acknowledged that leaving Boland out was a difficult decision.

“They’re both pretty class,” the Australia captain said while explaining the selection.

He added that the team had been keen to bring Lyon back into the side and that the final decision involved determining the balance of the pace attack.

“There’s not much you can say to Scotty other than obviously there’s a lot of cricket coming up,” Cummins said.

Lyon’s return adds another major dimension to Australia’s attack. The experienced off-spinner underwent hamstring surgery after his Ashes campaign was cut short and now gets an opportunity to resume his Test career.

Australia have also retained all-rounder Cameron Green, who will bat at No. 5, while Beau Webster occupies the No. 7 position with wicketkeeper Alex Carey between them.

Jake Weatherald is set to open alongside Travis Head, followed by Marnus Labuschagne at No. 3 and Steve Smith at No. 4. Josh Inglis was the only other player from the original squad to miss out on selection.

The Darwin Test carries historical significance as well. It will be only the third Test played in the tropical northern city and the first there since Sri Lanka’s visit in July 2004.

After Darwin, the series moves to Harrup Park in Mackay next week, where Australia and Bangladesh will play the venue’s first-ever Test.

With Hazlewood back, Lyon restored and Australia’s leading pace trio reunited, Bangladesh face a formidable challenge as the hosts begin another demanding chapter of their Test calendar.

Australia Playing XI for first Bangladesh Test

Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Beau Webster, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

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