Australia is set to reunite its primary pace attack for the first time in over a year, with Josh Hazlewood selected over Scott Boland for the opening Test against Bangladesh in Darwin. Captain Pat Cummins confirmed that Hazlewood will make his return to international cricket, marking his first appearance since October of last year after an injury sidelined him for the entire Ashes series.
Cummins, who himself played in only one Ashes Test and has not represented Australia since the series against the West Indies over a year ago, will lead the side. The team also welcomes back veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon, whose Ashes campaign was prematurely ended by a hamstring injury sustained during the Adelaide Test. Regarding the selection, Cummins noted, “I think we were pretty certain we wanted Lyno [Lyon] inside, so just kind of working out what the make-up of the quicks were. So went with Joshy, [we] obviously know Scotty’s class. It’s always a pretty tight call. I think it’s one of those ones where there’s not much you can say to Scotty other than obviously there’s a lot of cricket coming up, but he knows his worth and how good he is, and I’m sure he’ll be out there at some point pretty soon.”
Lyon’s return is viewed as a significant boost for the squad ahead of a demanding stretch of Test cricket. Reflecting on the spinner’s recovery, Cummins added, “I was even looking at some footage the other day of that Adelaide Test, and I think that’s the best he’s bowled in years. So it [the injury] was really bad timing but he’s been great. It’s been pretty public how hard he’s worked over the last six months or so. He’s in there every day training, looking for this opportunity. So he looks in incredible shape. He’s been bowling beautifully, and as a captain and team-mate, it’s going to be awesome to have him back out there.”
In the batting lineup, Cummins confirmed that Cameron Green will occupy the number five spot, while Beau Webster is set to bat at number seven. Despite expressing a desire for a promotion in the order, wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey will remain at number six. Jake Weatherald continues his role as the opening partner for Travis Head, maintaining the combination established early in the Ashes.
Explaining the tactical decisions, Cummins stated, “Kez [Carey] has won a few games for us at No. 6. I like that combination of him and Webster at six, seven. I feel like Greeny’s a good No. 5, so you can try and get funky, but we thought that’s kind of how the team will function the best. It’s a pretty good problem to have when someone like Kez, you feel like a good bat even higher than where he’s at.” The confirmed Australia XI for the Darwin clash features Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Beau Webster, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood.
5 and 7 respectively, with Alex Carey retaining his place at No.
6 despite the keeper-bat recently putting his hand up for a promotion in the order.
