Australia Test Squad Vs Bangladesh Announced; Pat Cummins Back, Ashes Hero Out

Australia Test squad vs Bangladesh unveiled [Source: AFP]

Cricket Australia announced the Australia Test squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh on Tuesday, July 21. Pat Cummins, who missed a major part of the Ashes last year, returned to helm as the captain, forming the decorated bowling quartet alongside the experienced Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon. 

Meanwhile, the availability of their first-choice bowlers forced the Australian selectors to exclude one of their most prolific performers of the Ashes 2025-26. As the hosts prepare for the two-match Test series scheduled in August 2026, here's a look at the Australia Test squad vs Bangladesh. 

Ashes Star Michael Neser excluded from Australia Test squad vs Bangladesh

Queenslander Michael Neser played a pivotal role in Australia's Ashes 2025-26 triumph on home soil. Josh Hazlewood was ruled out of the entire Ashes series due to hamstring and Achilles injuries, while Cummins missed four of five Tests with a recurring back stress injury. 

However, Michael Neser ensured their absence couldn't derail Australia's Ashes campaign, leading them to a prolific 4-1 series win over arch-rivals England with a string of stunning performances. Apart from scalping 15 wickets in three matches, Neser scored 75 runs, including vital cameos in the fourth and fifth Tests. 

But unfortunately, with Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood coming back, Neser had to miss out on the Australia Test squad vs Bangladesh. 

Nevertheless, Cricket Australia's Chairman of Selectors, George Bailey, clarified that the Ashes 2025-26 hero could certainly return to the squad, with Australia slated to play 21 Tests in the ongoing WTC cycle, provided they qualify for the final. 

Also Read: Cricket Australia Prepares 2 Indian Players To Beat Australia

Australia Test squad vs Bangladesh: Cummins to lead a star-studded team

While regular skipper Pat Cummins returns as the captain, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith form Australia's batting core for the Bangladesh Tests. Cummins will spearhead the pace attack with Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood; so there'll be a toss-up between Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland for the fourth bowler's slot. 

However, given that Cameron Green and Beau Webster offer handy seam-bowling options, the Australians might prefer Lyon over Boland, at least for the first Test, starting on August 13. 

Alex Carey and Josh Inglis have been picked as wicket-keepers and will be key to Australia's success with the bat in the post-Usman Khawaja era. 

Despite blowing hot and cold in the Ashes 2025-26, Jake Weatherald retains his place in the Australia Test squad vs Bangladesh, with the hosts trying to settle their batting lineup in the longest format. 

Australia Test squad vs Bangladesh, 2026

Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster

The data presented in the above table shows that the Australia Test squad vs Bangladesh comprises 13 members, including six batters, two all-rounders and five bowlers, including a solitary spinner in the form of Nathan Lyon. 

Australia vs Bangladesh Test series schedule

Led by Cummins, Australia will take on Bangladesh in two Test matches in August 2026. The first Test will be played from August 13-17 at Marrara Stadium in Darwin, while the decider is scheduled for August 22-26 at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay. 

Also Read: Babar Azam Ton, Danni Wyatt Award Win And Mumbai Squad- July 20 Cricket Highlights