Josh Hazlewood has been included in Australia's playing XI for the opening Test against Bangladesh in Darwin, with Scott Boland left out of the squad. Cummins declared the expected lineup on the eve of the match, which sees the Wallabies' best pace bowling attack of Hazlewood, Cummins, and Starc face Bangladesh for the first time in more than a year.
The Test match between Australia and Bangladesh in Darwin will see the resurrection of red-ball cricket in the Northern Territory for the first time in 22 years. Hazlewood is set to return to the domestic soil after being sidelined since October last year, which saw him miss the Ashes series due to injury. Cummins also played only once in the Ashes series, while Nathan Lyon makes a spectacular comeback to the XI after his hamstring injury ended his Ashes hopes in Adelaide.
Josh Hazlewood Gets Nod Ahead of Boland
Josh Inglis is the other Aussie player who finds himself out of the XI alongside Boland. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto decided not to name his Test side on the eve of the match due to a few fitness-related issues. He added that they are clear about the inclusion of the wicketkeeper-batsman Litton Das in the starting XI.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Cummins stated that the decision to include Lyon was made before finalizing the pace bowling attack. The Aussie skipper added that Boland was a very good bowler, and they had no issues with his credentials. However, they had favored Hazlewood's inclusion for the first Test match in the series.
With the advantage of a long series, Australia decided to rest one of their seamers and bring in Hazlewood.
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How Is Australia's Batting Order Shaped?
Cameron Green will bat at number five as the new five should ideally come in handy. Alex Carey, the wicketkeeper, and all-rounder Beau Webster will follow at numbers six and seven.
Jake Weatherald and Travis Head will open the innings for Australia after forming a successful opening partnership in the Ashes series. Although Carey had stated his desire to move up in the batting order, Cummins assured the reporters that the wicket-keeper would hold his position.
Australia will consequently open with experience, with Travis Head and Jake Weatherald holding the top order. Meanwhile, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Beau Webster, and Mitchell Starc will provide balance in the lower middle order. The return of Josh Hazlewood would give them a special edge in the bowling department.
Australia's XI for the First Test Match vs Bangladesh: Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Beau Webster, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.