Kolkata: Australia have named a 13-player squad for their upcoming two-match ICC World Test Championship series at home against Bangladesh.
Captain Pat Cummins is in line to play his first Test match since December last year and is included in the Australia squad for the two-game series that commences in Darwin on August 13, while fellow quicks Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood are also in the 13-member group that will tackle Bangladesh.
Spinner Nathan Lyon is named for his return after he missed much of the backend of Ashes tour against England due to a hamstring issue, with back-up pacer Scott Boland joined by all-rounders Beau Webster and Cameron Green.
The Aussies will also be on the lookout for Usman Khawaja’s replacement inside the top six following his retirement at the start of the year, with Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne and Jake Weatherald all included as batting options for the World Test Championship pacesetters.
Michael Neser, Todd Murphy and Brendan Doggett are the players to drop out of the squad that featured in Australia’s most recent Test series against England at the start of the year.
Selection Chair George Bailey is looking forward to having a full complement of bowlers at his disposal after many of his first-choice bowling group missed much of the Ashes series.
“The NSP (National Selection Panel) look forward to the return of Pat, Josh and Nathan. They have worked extremely hard, individually and with the SSSM (sports science and sports medicine) teams, over the past few months to return from their respective injuries,” Bailey said.
“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.”
Australia sit on top of the World Test Championship standings, while Bangladesh are currently in fourth place.
Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster
Series schedule:
First Test: August 13-17, Darwin
Second Test: August 22-26, Mackay.
