Australia Name XI for Bangladesh Test in Darwin, Boland and Inglis Miss Out
Australia have confirmed their playing XI for the opening Test against Bangladesh, with Cameron Green and Beau Webster both included for the World Test Championship contest in Darwin.
Captain Pat Cummins revealed the XI ahead of the first Test, which begins on August 13 at Marrara Stadium. Australia have opted for a strong combination featuring three frontline fast bowlers, Nathan Lyon as the specialist spinner and Green and Webster providing additional all-round depth.
The selection means Scott Boland and Josh Inglis miss out, despite both being part of Australia's wider Test squad.
Australia vs Bangladesh First Test: Playing XI
Australia's confirmed XI for the opening Test is:
- Jake Weatherald
- Travis Head
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steve Smith
- Cameron Green
- Alex Carey
- Beau Webster
- Mitchell Starc
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Nathan Lyon
- Josh Hazlewood
The selection represents a relatively aggressive combination, with Australia choosing three established fast bowlers alongside Lyon rather than adding a second specialist spinner.
Cameron Green Wins the No.5 Spot
One of the major selection questions heading into the Test was where Cameron Green would bat.
Cummins confirmed that Green will occupy the No.5 position, ahead of Alex Carey and Beau Webster.
The Australian captain explained that the combination of Carey at No.6 and Webster at No.7 gives the side the balance it wants in the middle order.
Green's return to the Test side provides Australia with another genuine all-round option while also strengthening the batting lineup.
His ability to contribute with the ball gives Cummins additional flexibility, particularly if the conditions in Darwin offer something for the seamers.
Beau Webster Gets Another Opportunity
Beau Webster has also been rewarded with a place in the XI.
The all-rounder has been involved in Australia's Test setup as the team continues to build depth around its established core.
His selection at No.7 means Australia have significant batting depth before reaching their frontline bowling attack.
Webster's inclusion also means Australia can maintain a three-man pace attack while still having several players capable of contributing overs if required.
Scott Boland Misses Out
Scott Boland is perhaps the biggest name left out of Australia's XI.
With Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood all available, Australia opted for experience in the pace department.
Cummins acknowledged that leaving Boland out was a difficult decision and suggested that the veteran quick is likely to get opportunities during Australia's demanding upcoming Test schedule.
Australia have a busy period of Test cricket ahead, meaning Boland could still play a significant role in the coming months.
For the opening match against Bangladesh, however, Hazlewood gets the nod alongside Starc and Cummins.
Josh Inglis Also Left Out
Josh Inglis has also been omitted from the playing XI, with Alex Carey retaining the wicketkeeping position.
Carey has established himself as Australia's first-choice Test wicketkeeper and will bat at No.6 against Bangladesh.
The decision leaves Australia with an experienced top and middle order, while Inglis will have to wait for another opportunity.
Jake Weatherald Set to Open With Travis Head
Jake Weatherald will make his presence felt at the top of Australia's batting order, partnering Travis Head.
Weatherald's inclusion has been one of the interesting talking points surrounding Australia's preparations for the Darwin Test.
The new opening combination will be followed by Marnus Labuschagne at No.3 and Steve Smith at No.4.
Australia will therefore rely heavily on their experienced middle order to build the foundation for a potentially large first-innings total.
Nathan Lyon Retains His Place
Nathan Lyon will be Australia's specialist spinner in Darwin.
Cummins confirmed that the team was always keen to include Lyon, with the offspinner expected to play an important role as the Test progresses.
The decision to select Lyon alongside three frontline quicks suggests Australia believe the conditions can offer enough assistance to their pace attack while still giving Lyon a major role later in the match.
His experience will be particularly important if Bangladesh manage to bat for long periods.
Australia Back Experience Against Bangladesh
Australia enter the first Test as the stronger side on paper, but Bangladesh will provide a serious challenge in a World Test Championship contest.
The visitors will need to deal with Australia's pace attack, while their own batting lineup will have to find a way to cope with Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood.
For Australia, the immediate objective will be to start the new WTC assignment strongly.
The first Test in Darwin will be followed by the second match in Mackay from August 22 to 26, giving both teams two opportunities to collect valuable World Test Championship points.
Australia vs Bangladesh Test Series Schedule
| Test | Dates | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | August 13-17, 2026 | Darwin |
| 2nd Test | August 22-26, 2026 | Mackay |
The series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27, making the two matches particularly important in the race for WTC points.
Australia vs Bangladesh: A New Test Challenge
The series marks another important stage in Australia's WTC campaign.
Australia have retained the core of their established Test side while introducing Weatherald and continuing to develop the roles of Green and Webster.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, will be hoping their preparation and recent improvements can translate into a competitive performance against one of the world's strongest Test teams.
The opening Test in Darwin will provide the first indication of whether Bangladesh can put Australia under sustained pressure.
With Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood and Lyon leading Australia's bowling attack, and Smith, Labuschagne, Head and Green providing considerable batting strength, the hosts will start as favourites.
