Australia's pace trio reunites after a year as full strength XI named for Bangladesh
Australia captain Pat Cummins has confirmed his side's playing XI for the opening Test against Bangladesh, with Cameron Green and Beau Webster both retaining their places as the hosts field a near full strength squad.
The match gets underway at Marrara Stadium in Darwin on August 13, 2026, marking Australia's first Test in the city in 20 years and the first bilateral Test series between the two nations on Australian soil in 23 years.
Cummins returns to lead the side after missing much of the Ashes series through a back injury, and he is joined by fellow pacemen Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, who also comes back into contention after being managed carefully through the Ashes and the Indian Premier League. It marks the first time all three quicks have played together in over a year.
Nathan Lyon completes the bowling attack after recovering from a hamstring injury picked up in Adelaide, meaning back up seamer Scott Boland misses out on selection.
Australia have opted for two pace bowling all rounders in Green and Webster, continuing their preference for a five bowler, one spinner balance. Webster impressed in the final Ashes Test with an unbeaten 71 and three wickets, while Green, who has recently been used with the ball again during the IPL for Kolkata Knight Riders, returns to red ball cricket after a difficult run of form.
Jake Weatherald keeps his opening spot alongside Travis Head despite a modest home Ashes campaign, with Marnus Labuschagne at first drop and Steve Smith anchoring the middle order. Alex Carey continues as wicketkeeper ahead of Josh Inglis.
Australia head into the series top of the World Test Championship standings and will be eager to extend that lead across what is set to be a demanding 12 month period featuring as many as 21 Test matches.
Australia XI: Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Beau Webster, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (captain), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
Series schedule:
First Test, August 13-17, Darwin.
Second Test, August 22-26, Mackay.