Cricket
Australia vs Bangladesh team news: Confirmed XI, squads and injury latest for first Test
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Australia and Bangladesh begin their two-match Test series on Thursday as international cricket returns to Darwin.
The first Test takes place at Marrara Stadium from August 13-17, with the series forming part of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship.
Australia have now confirmed their starting XI for the series opener, with Pat Cummins able to call upon a formidable bowling attack following the return of several key players from injury.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, have kept their final selection under wraps ahead of the first morning, although there has been a late boost with Litton Das fit and available for selection.
Here is everything you need to know about the Australia and Bangladesh team news ahead of the first Test.
Australia vs Bangladesh first Test team news
Australia have named a strong side for the first Test, with Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon all returning after injury lay-offs.
Their return means Cummins, Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Lyon are set to feature together in a Test for the first time in more than a year.
One of the biggest selection decisions concerned Hazlewood and Scott Boland, with Australia ultimately opting for Hazlewood.
Boland therefore misses out despite his excellent recent Test record, while Brendan Doggett is also outside the starting XI.
Jake Weatherald will continue at the top of the order alongside Travis Head, with Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith following at No.3 and No.4.
Cameron Green is set to bat at No.5, ahead of wicketkeeper Alex Carey and all-rounder Beau Webster.
Australia confirmed XI vs Bangladesh
PA
Australia's confirmed team for the first Test is:
Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Beau Webster, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
Bangladesh team news vs Australia
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has opted not to reveal his starting XI before the Test, leaving several selection decisions to be made ahead of the opening day's play.
There is positive news surrounding Litton Das, who has recovered sufficiently from a calf injury to be added to the squad and is available for selection in Darwin.
Bangladesh are, however, without fast bowler Nahid Rana, who has been ruled out of the series with a side strain.
Conditions could also have a major influence on the final XI. Shanto has indicated that Bangladesh could play two spinners, potentially opening the door for Taijul Islam to join Mehidy Hasan Miraz in the side.
Bangladesh will be looking for a significant improvement after a difficult warm-up match in Darwin. They were bowled out for just 54 in their first innings against a Cricket Australia XI, although the tourists have insisted that result should not be viewed as an indication of what is to come in the Test series.
When is Australia vs Bangladesh?
The first Test between Australia and Bangladesh begins on Thursday, August 13 and is scheduled to run until Monday, August 17 at Marrara Stadium in Darwin.
Play begins at 10am local time, which is 1:30am BST in the UK.
It is the first Test match to be played in Darwin since 2004 and begins Bangladesh's first Test tour of Australia since 2003.
How to watch Australia vs Bangladesh for free on DAZN
Cricket fans in the UK can watch the first Test between Australia and Bangladesh live and for free on DAZN.
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