Australia name squad for Bangladesh Tests, with Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon back in action

After weeks of speculation, Cricket Australia finally unveiled the 15‑man group that will travel to Bangladesh for the two‑match Test series slated to start on 26 December 2024 at the Sher‑e‑Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. The biggest headline? Pat Cummins, Mitchell Hazlewood and Adam Lyon are all fit and ready to bowl.

Cummins, who missed the last home series with a left‑shoulder niggle, completed his rehabilitation in early November and was cleared by the medical staff on 12 December. Hazlewood, who spent the summer nursing a lower‑back problem, returned to full training after a gradual ramp‑up in the domestic circuit. Lyon, whose stress‑fracture kept him out for three months, impressed in a couple of warm‑up games and earned his spot back.

Alongside the pace trio, the squad features a blend of experience and youth. Steve Smith has been named vice‑captain, while the 28‑year‑old Alex Carey keeps wickets. The top order will be anchored by David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne, with the emerging talent of Cameron Green expected to add fire‑power in the middle‑order.

Head coach Andrew McKenna said the team will use the Bangladesh tour as a chance to fine‑tune their game ahead of the year‑end World Test Championship decider. “Having Pat, Mitch and Adam back gives us a balanced attack. The conditions in Dhaka will reward disciplined fast‑bowling as well as a solid batting line‑up,” he explained.

Australia will also travel with a dedicated support staff, including physiotherapist Dr Riley Hughes and fast‑bowling coach Brad Hogg, who will work closely with the trio to manage workloads. The schedule includes a three‑day warm‑up match against a Bangladesh A side before the first Test, giving the pacers a chance to adapt to local pitches.

Fans can expect a contest of contrasting styles – Australia’s pace‑heavy attack versus Bangladesh’s spin‑friendly conditions. With the trio fit and eager, the series promises to be an intriguing start to what could be a pivotal stretch of the Australian summer.