Australia vs Bangladesh Test Series 2026

Everything is set for the opening Test between Australia and Bangladesh at Marrara Stadium in Darwin. Both teams have made several changes to their squads ahead of the series. Josh Hazlewood, in particular, has been named in Australia’s squad. Read on for a closer look at both line-ups ahead of the Australia vs Bangladesh Test Series 2026.

Australia vs Bangladesh Test Series 2026: A Strong Australian Squad

Australia has brought several big names back into the fold ahead of the matches in Darwin. No team wants to lose on home soil, so the hosts have strengthened their squad accordingly. Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins are among the players added to the roster for the 2026 Australia vs Bangladesh Tests. Hazlewood and Lyon bring plenty of experience to the bowling attack, while Cummins returns to lead the side as captain.

The changes follow Usman Khawaja’s decision to hang up his gloves, as well as an injury to Michael Neser, who strained his calf during training. Brendan Doggett, Todd Murphy and Jhye Richardson are also among those missing out after failing to make the final squad.

The upcoming NRMA Insurance Test will be Australia’s first in more than six months. Their previous Test was played against England in Sydney back in January.

Josh Hazlewood will undoubtedly be one of the main players to watch. The fast bowler has not played Test cricket since last year after a hamstring injury ruled him out of the Ashes series. However, the New South Welshman has now recovered and is ready to show what he can do with the ball. He needs just five more wickets to reach the milestone of 300 Test wickets.

The full Australia squad:

The final playing XI will be confirmed shortly before the match. Travis Head is expected to open the batting alongside Jake Weatherald, while Cummins will naturally lead the team on the field. Alex Carey is ready to bat at No. 5, and Beau Webster could also feature in the top seven.

The bowling duties are likely to be shared among Lyon, Starc, Hazlewood and Boland. However, Scott Boland could join Josh Inglis on the bench, with Hazlewood getting the green light to make his return to the playing XI.

Bangladesh Hit by Injuries Ahead of the Australia vs Bangladesh Test Series 2026

Bangladesh has suffered injuries to several key players at the worst possible time. Nahid Rana, one of the fastest bowlers in the squad and capable of clocking speeds of around 140 km/h, has sustained a side strain. Left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam, who claimed figures of 6-48 in a one-day match in Australia in June, has also been sidelined after pulling his hamstring. There is some hope that he will not be out for too long, although he is still expected to miss the opening matches.

These setbacks have forced Bangladesh to look for experienced players capable of stepping in for their first-choice bowlers ahead of the Australia vs Bangladesh Test Series. Soumya Sarkar, who has not played Test cricket since 2021, has therefore been recalled to the squad. His selection appears to have been driven more by necessity than preference, something selector Habibul Bashar also acknowledged:

“All the talented openers are currently on the injury list, while some of the promising youngsters simply have not been tested against fast bowling. Selecting Sarkar was therefore necessary to bring more experience into the team.”

For the same reason, batter Litton Das was added to the squad at the last minute. Das has been Bangladesh’s best Test performer over the past five years, scoring more than 600 runs at an average of 41.70. Given the team’s current injury problems, it would have been surprising to leave him out of the squad.

The full Bangladesh squad for the first Test:

Litton Das behind the stumps, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim and Soumya Sarkar are expected to form the backbone of the team. Mehidy Hasan Miraz will also have a crucial role to play. The all-rounder is likely to operate in tandem with Taijul Islam.

Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury will take part in the match after cutting short his leave following the birth of his child. The remaining places in the playing XI will be decided shortly before the game.

As for the World Test Championship standings, Australia currently sits at the top of the table with seven wins and one defeat, giving them a points percentage of 87.50%. For Bangladesh, the series represents an opportunity to improve their position. The team currently occupies fourth place in the standings, having played four matches, with two victories and one draw. Their points percentage stands at 58.33%.

The first Test will take place in Darwin from August 13 to 17. The second will be played from August 22 to 26 in Mackay, Queensland.