Josh Hazlewood is back in Australia’s Test team after an eight-month break. The experienced fast bowler has been named in the XI for the first Test against Bangladesh in Darwin. Hazlewood has been a key part of Australia’s red-ball attack for many years. However, injuries have kept him away from regular Test cricket in recent times. He is now ready to return and lead Australia’s pace attack once again.
Australia captain Pat Cummins confirmed that Josh Hazlewood will play in the first Test, with Scott Boland missing out. Boland played all five Tests in last summer’s Ashes series. However, Hazlewood has now returned to the team and will join Cummins and Mitchell Starc in Australia’s pace attack. The decision also marks Nathan Lyon’s return.
Josh Hazlewood Returns to Australia XI
The veteran spinner missed the latter stages of the Ashes with a hamstring injury and since then, there have been heavy questions about whether the spinner can last in red-ball cricket again. Similarities were drawn with coach Andrew McDonald, who suffered a similar injury late in his career and how it eventually played a significant part in him calling his time.
Australia have kept a slightly unusual combination in their team, with both Cameron Green and Beau Webster included as pace-bowling all-rounders. Green will continue to bat in the middle order, while Webster gives the team another bowling and batting option alongside the specialist bowlers. Australia enter the series second in the World Test Championship 2025-2027 standings, with Bangladesh fourth. The two matches therefore hold extreme importance for both teams with regard to the current championship cycle.
Australia Playing XI: Pat Cummins (C), Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Jake Weatherald, Steve Smith, Cameron Alex Carey (wk), Beau Webster, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood