Hazlewood Gets the Nod: Australia's Test XI for Darwin Revealed

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-08-13

Australia has locked in its playing XI for the first Test against Bangladesh in Darwin, and the big news is that Josh Hazlewood has edged out Scott Boland for the final pace spot. It's a call that was never going to be easy, but captain Pat Cummins and the selectors have made their decision, and it's one that brings back a familiar look to the attack. This match is a bit of a homecoming for Test cricket in Darwin, which hasn't hosted a five-day game in 22 years. It's also the first time in over a year that Australia's first-choice pace trio—Mitchell Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood—will share the field together. That's a long time between drinks, and you can bet they're all eager to make up for lost time. ### Hazlewood's Long Road Back Hazlewood hasn't played international cricket since October last year, missing the entire Ashes series due to injury. That's a huge chunk of time on the sidelines, and it's been a real test of patience for a bowler who's used to being at the top of his game. Cummins himself also had a disrupted Ashes, featuring in just one match against England—his only Test appearance since the West Indies tour. Speaking about the selection, Cummins explained that the thinking was pretty straightforward once they knew Nathan Lyon was fit. "We were confident about including Nathan, and then we worked out the pace attack around him," he said. "It's never easy leaving out someone of Boland's quality, but there's plenty of cricket ahead, and he'll get his chance soon." Boland, along with wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis, are the two squad members who miss out on the final XI for this one. ### Lyon Back in Business Nathan Lyon's return is another massive boost. He's been out since tearing his hamstring during the Ashes in Adelaide, a cruel blow because he was in the middle of a genuinely brilliant spell. Cummins has been watching the footage back, and he's impressed. "I rated that Adelaide spell as one of the best he's bowled in years," the captain said. "The timing of the injury was unfortunate, but he's put in six months of hard work, training every day to get back to this point." Lyon is reportedly in excellent shape and bowling well, which adds a real edge to the Australian attack. Having a world-class spinner back in the fold makes this side look a lot more dangerous. ### A Settled Middle Order The batting lineup has a settled feel to it. Jake Weatherald will open with Travis Head, continuing the partnership they built during the Ashes. Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith are locked in at three and four, with Cameron Green and Beau Webster providing the backbone in the middle order around wicketkeeper Alex Carey. There was a bit of chat about Carey possibly moving up the order, but Cummins has confirmed he'll stay at number six. "He's won matches for us from that position," the captain explained. "Pairing him with Webster at six and seven gives us great balance, and Green is perfect at five. It gives us flexibility, even though Carey's batting would justify a higher slot." Bangladesh, meanwhile, are keeping their cards close to their chest. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto hasn't named his XI yet, citing a few fitness concerns, but he did confirm that Litton Das has recovered and is available for selection. ### The Full Australian XI for the First Test Here's the team that will take the field in Darwin: - Jake Weatherald - Travis Head - Marnus Labuschagne - Steven Smith - Cameron Green - Alex Carey (wk) - Beau Webster - Mitchell Starc - Pat Cummins (capt) - Nathan Lyon - Josh Hazlewood It's a strong, balanced side that looks ready to hit the ground running. The return of Hazlewood and Lyon gives the attack a completely different dimension, and with the batting order settled, Australia will be confident of starting the series on the right foot.