Josh Hazlewood Returns as Scott Boland Misses Australia XI vs Bangladesh

Josh Hazlewood Australia XI has been confirmed ahead of the first Test against Bangladesh in Darwin, with the experienced fast bowler selected alongside Mitchell Starc and captain Pat Cummins.

The selection means Scott Boland has been left out of the starting XI despite his strong performances in recent Test cricket. Australia have opted for their first-choice pace attack as Test cricket returns to Darwin for the first time in 22 years.

Hazlewood Returns to Australia’s Test Team

Hazlewood’s selection marks his return to the Australian Test side after a lengthy absence from international cricket. He has not played international cricket since October last year and missed the entire Ashes campaign because of injury.

His return strengthens an already experienced Australian bowling attack. Hazlewood will share the new-ball responsibilities with Starc and Cummins, while Nathan Lyon provides the specialist spin option.

The trio of Hazlewood, Starc and Cummins have not played together for Australia since the tour of the West Indies more than a year ago.

Scott Boland Misses Out Despite Strong Record

Scott Boland is the notable omission from Australia’s XI. The veteran seamer has established himself as a highly reliable Test bowler, but the selectors have chosen to restore Hazlewood to the attack.

Josh Inglis is the other player from Australia’s initial squad who has not made the playing XI.

The decision underlines Australia’s preference for its established pace hierarchy as the team begins another long Test campaign.

Pat Cummins Returns as Australia Captain

Pat Cummins will lead Australia in Darwin after a limited international schedule in recent months. The captain featured in only one Test during the Ashes because of his own fitness issues.

His return alongside Hazlewood gives Australia considerable experience in the fast-bowling department, while Starc completes a formidable three-man pace attack.

Nathan Lyon Back in Australia’s XI

Nathan Lyon has also returned to the Australian Test team after his Ashes campaign was cut short by a hamstring injury sustained in Adelaide.

His inclusion gives Australia a specialist spinner for conditions that could potentially offer a different challenge from the pace-friendly surfaces the team regularly encounters elsewhere.

Australia’s Middle Order Takes Shape

Cameron Green and Beau Webster have both been selected in Australia’s middle order, with Alex Carey continuing as wicketkeeper.

Green and Webster will bat either side of Carey, giving Australia a combination of batting depth and all-round options. Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith occupy the central positions in the batting order.

At the top, Jake Weatherald will continue his opening partnership with Travis Head. The pair formed their combination early during the Ashes and have retained their places.

Bangladesh Delay Playing XI Announcement

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has not yet confirmed his team’s final XI ahead of the Test.

Shanto said there were a few minor injury concerns, describing them as “niggles” within the camp. However, he confirmed that wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das is fit and available for selection.

Bangladesh are expected to announce their final team on the morning of the Test.

Australia XI vs Bangladesh

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

Hazlewood’s Return Adds Experience

Hazlewood’s return is one of the biggest talking points ahead of the series. His ability to maintain accuracy over long spells gives Australia another dependable option with the new and older ball.

With Cummins and Starc alongside him, Australia’s pace attack combines experience, control and different bowling styles. Lyon’s return further strengthens a bowling unit capable of attacking Bangladesh across long Test innings.

Australia Begin Another Test Challenge

The first Test in Darwin represents the beginning of another significant stretch of Test cricket for Australia. With several senior players returning from injury and Hazlewood back in the XI, the hosts have gone with the combination that was widely expected.

For Bangladesh, the final selection remains the major unanswered question. Their decision will become clearer on the morning of the match once the fitness concerns within the squad have been assessed.

For now, Australia’s message is clear: Hazlewood is back, Boland misses out, and the established pace hierarchy has been restored for the opening Test against Bangladesh.