Australia’s starting lineup for the first Test match against Bangladesh in Darwin includes Josh Hazlewood, but Scott Boland will not be beginning. On the eve of the game, Pat Cummins revealed the anticipated lineup, revealing that Australia’s favoured pace trio will play together for the first time in more than a year. They had only played together during the West Indies tour.
Additionally, the Darwin match marks Test cricket’s return to the location following a 22-year hiatus. Nathan Lyon, who returned to the team after his participation in the Ashes was cut short due to a hamstring injury received in Adelaide, completes the pace-spin combination.
Cummins only made one appearance against England during the Ashes series, while Hazlewood had been out since last October due to injury.
Alongside Boland, Josh Inglis is the only member of the squad who is not included in the starting lineup. Despite confirming that wicketkeeper Litton Das had sufficiently recovered to be available for selection, Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto declined to unveil his lineup the nite before the Test, citing minor fitness issues within his squad.
During his pre-match media session, Cummins discussed the selection process, stating that Lyon’s inclusion was decided upon initially and the pace combination was then worked out around it. While acknowledging Boland’s reputation in Australian cricket, he made it apparent that Hazlewood was the better option for this game because there was still a long series to go.
How is Darwin positioned in Australia’s batting order?
Alex Carey and Beau Webster are ranked sixth and seventh, respectively, with Cameron Green coming in at number five. The opening partnership that was established during the Ashes is maintained by Jake Weatherald and Travis Head. Although Cummins said the wicketkeeper would remain in his current position, Carey had publicly expressed a desire to go up the order.
Australia’s starting lineup for the opening Test match against Bangladesh
Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Beau Webster, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
