Australia Announce Strong Playing XI for First Test Against Bangladesh, Cummins Hazlewood and Starc Return Together
Australia have announced their playing eleven for the first Test against Bangladesh, which begins in Darwin on Thursday. The Australian team has selected a powerful and well balanced combination for the opening match, with several major talking points surrounding the squad.
The biggest selection decision is the omission of Scott Boland. The experienced fast bowler has been left out of the playing eleven, with team management opting for Josh Hazlewood as the third member of Australia’s pace attack alongside captain Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.
The return of Cummins, Hazlewood and Starc together is one of the biggest highlights of the Test. The three world class fast bowlers will play alongside each other in a Test match for the first time in more than a year.
The match is also significant because Australia are returning to Test cricket after an eight month gap and will play a Test in Darwin after almost 20 years.
Australia Name Strong Playing XI for First Test
Australia have picked a balanced eleven featuring experienced batters, two all rounders, three elite fast bowlers and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon.
The Australian playing eleven for the first Test includes Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Beau Webster, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood.
The combination gives Australia plenty of batting depth as well as several bowling options. With Green and Webster capable of contributing with the ball, Australia have flexibility throughout the match.
The presence of Lyon also provides the team with a world class spin option for the middle and later stages of the Test.
Scott Boland Misses Out as Josh Hazlewood Gets the Nod
One of the most discussed decisions is the exclusion of Scott Boland from the first Test.
Boland has established himself as a reliable Test bowler for Australia and has delivered several impressive performances in recent years. However, the Australian team management has chosen Hazlewood for the opening match in Darwin.
Hazlewood brings exceptional accuracy, control and experience to the attack. His ability to bowl long spells in the same area can create enormous pressure on opposition batters.
The decision also highlights the incredible depth available in Australia’s fast bowling department. Leaving a bowler of Boland’s quality out of the starting eleven demonstrates just how many options Australia have at their disposal.
Cummins Hazlewood and Starc Reunite After More Than a Year
The return of Australia’s premier pace trio is arguably the biggest headline ahead of the Test.
Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc will feature together in a Test match after more than a year. Each bowler brings a completely different skill set to the attack.
Cummins provides pace, bounce and relentless accuracy. Hazlewood is renowned for his disciplined line and length, while Starc gives Australia the added advantage of a high quality left arm fast bowling option.
The combination can create serious problems for Bangladesh’s batting lineup, particularly if the Darwin conditions offer assistance to the fast bowlers.
Starc can attack the batters from a different angle, Hazlewood can maintain pressure from the other end and Cummins can rotate his bowlers intelligently while also leading the attack himself.
Nathan Lyon Returns to the Playing XI
Nathan Lyon has also made his return to Australia’s Test playing eleven.
The veteran spinner missed part of the Ashes campaign because of a hamstring injury. His return adds experience and variety to Australia’s bowling attack.
Lyon has been one of Australia’s most consistent Test spinners for many years. His ability to extract turn, bounce and variation becomes increasingly important as a Test match progresses.
Against Bangladesh, Lyon could have a particularly important role because Bangladesh have traditionally produced batters who are comfortable against spin bowling. Lyon will therefore need to use his experience and variations to keep the opposition under pressure.
Two All Rounders Strengthen Australia’s Balance
Australia have selected both Cameron Green and Beau Webster for the opening Test.
The inclusion of two all rounders provides Australia with additional flexibility. Green can make a significant contribution with both bat and ball, while Webster gives captain Cummins another useful bowling and batting option.
Cameron Green remains one of Australia’s most exciting all round talents. His ability to score important runs and contribute overs gives the team greater tactical flexibility.
Webster has also developed into a valuable option for Australia. His presence means the team does not have to rely entirely on its specialist bowlers during long periods of play.
Australia’s Batting Lineup Packed With Experience
Australia’s batting order is another major strength.
Jake Weatherald is expected to open the innings alongside the aggressive Travis Head. Head has developed into one of Australia’s most dangerous Test batters and has the ability to change the momentum of a match quickly.
Marnus Labuschagne brings patience and concentration to the top order, while Steve Smith remains one of the most experienced and technically accomplished batters in the Australian lineup.
The middle order includes Cameron Green and wicketkeeper Alex Carey. Carey has become an important part of Australia’s Test setup and can provide valuable runs in the middle and lower order.
With Webster also capable of contributing with the bat, Australia have considerable depth even beyond their specialist batters.
Bangladesh Face a Major Challenge Against Australia’s Pace Attack
Bangladesh will face a huge challenge against Australia’s fast bowling unit.
The opening exchanges could be crucial. Bangladesh’s top order will have to deal with the pace and movement of Starc and Hazlewood before facing the pressure created by Cummins.
If the Australian bowlers receive early assistance from the conditions, Bangladesh could find themselves under pressure from the first session.
However, if Bangladesh’s batters can survive the new ball, the visitors could build a competitive total and put pressure back on Australia.
Bangladesh Have Plenty of Experience in Their Squad
Despite Australia’s strong lineup, Bangladesh have several experienced players who can make a difference.
Najmul Hossain Shanto will lead the side, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz serving as vice captain. The squad also contains experienced international players such as Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das and Mominul Haque.
Shadman Islam, Soumya Sarkar and Tanzid Hasan Tamim add further batting options, while the bowling attack includes Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud and Taijul Islam.
Bangladesh will need contributions from both their experienced players and younger members if they are to challenge Australia in home conditions.
Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das Could Be Crucial for Bangladesh
Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das could play particularly important roles in Bangladesh’s batting lineup.
Both players have extensive international experience and have performed in difficult conditions before. Against Australia’s world class fast bowlers, their ability to absorb pressure could be crucial.
Bangladesh cannot afford to lose early wickets. A strong opening partnership followed by contributions from their experienced middle order would give the team the best chance of posting a competitive first innings total.
Australia Return to Darwin for a Test After Almost 20 Years
The first Test is also historic because Australia are returning to Darwin for Test cricket after almost two decades.
Playing conditions in Darwin could provide an interesting challenge for both teams. Heat and humidity may test the players physically, while the pitch could influence how the captains use their fast bowlers and spinner.
Australia will hope that familiarity with home conditions gives them an advantage, while Bangladesh will need to adapt quickly to the environment.
Australia Return to Test Cricket After Eight Months
The match marks Australia’s first Test in eight months.
A long gap between Test matches can create a different challenge for players because the longest format demands a particular level of concentration, patience and physical endurance.
However, many of Australia’s key players have remained active in other formats. The team will now look to quickly regain its Test rhythm.
The presence of experienced players such as Smith, Labuschagne, Head, Cummins, Starc and Lyon should help Australia settle into the contest.
Key Players to Watch in the First Test
Pat Cummins will have a major responsibility as both captain and frontline fast bowler. His tactical decisions could play an important role throughout the match.
Josh Hazlewood’s return will also attract considerable attention. His accuracy and ability to bowl long spells could make him one of Australia’s most dangerous weapons.
Mitchell Starc will be expected to provide breakthroughs with the new ball, while Nathan Lyon could become increasingly influential as the match progresses.
With the bat, Travis Head and Steve Smith will be among the players Bangladesh will be most concerned about. Marnus Labuschagne will also be expected to play a major role in building Australia’s innings.
For Bangladesh, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz will be among the key players.
Australia’s Complete Playing XI
Jake Weatherald
Travis Head
Marnus Labuschagne
Steve Smith
Cameron Green
Alex Carey as wicketkeeper
Beau Webster
Mitchell Starc
Pat Cummins as captain
Nathan Lyon
Josh Hazlewood
Australia’s Test Squad
Pat Cummins as captain, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald and Beau Webster.
Bangladesh Test Squad
Najmul Hossain Shanto as captain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz as vice captain, Soumya Sarkar, Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Amit Hasan, Jaker Ali, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury and Musfik Hasan.
Who Has the Advantage in the First Test
On paper, Australia enter the contest as clear favourites.
The home conditions, experienced batting lineup, returning pace trio and the presence of Nathan Lyon give Australia several major advantages.
However, Bangladesh should not be underestimated. Their experienced players have the ability to make the most of difficult situations, and Test cricket can change dramatically during a single session.
If Bangladesh’s batters can withstand Australia’s opening pace assault and their bowlers can take early wickets, the contest could become much closer than expected.
Conclusion
The first Test between Australia and Bangladesh in Darwin promises to be an exciting and highly significant contest.
Australia are returning to Test cricket after an eight month gap and will also play a Test in Darwin after almost 20 years. The selection of Josh Hazlewood ahead of Scott Boland is one of the biggest talking points, while the return of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc together adds enormous firepower to Australia’s bowling attack.
Nathan Lyon’s comeback provides Australia with another experienced match winner, while Cameron Green and Beau Webster give the side excellent all round balance.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, will rely on experienced campaigners such as Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz to withstand the Australian challenge.
Australia appear to have the stronger squad on paper, but Bangladesh will have an opportunity to make a statement if they can survive the early pace assault and put Australia’s batting under pressure.
The first Test could therefore provide a fascinating battle between Australia’s devastating bowling attack and Bangladesh’s experienced batting lineup, with the result potentially setting the tone for the rest of the series.
