Australia reunite their experienced attack

Australia captain Pat Cummins has confirmed the playing XI for the opening Test against Bangladesh, with Josh Hazlewood returning to the side as the hosts prepare for the two-match series. The first Test begins on Thursday at Marrara Stadium in Darwin, with the second Test scheduled for Mackay from August 22 to 26.

Hazlewood's return is the biggest talking point in Australia's XI, with the experienced pacer getting the nod ahead of Scott Boland. He joins Cummins and Mitchell Starc to form Australia's specialist pace attack, while Nathan Lyon returns to lead the spin department after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Boland, who was part of Australia's wider squad, misses out on the final XI, while Josh Inglis is also not included. Hazlewood's inclusion means Australia will field three of their premier fast bowlers together, giving Cummins a highly experienced bowling unit for the series opener.

Weatherald handed his Test debut

Jake Weatherald has been handed an opportunity at the top of the order and will open alongside Travis Head. Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith follow, while Cameron Green and Beau Webster have both been included as pace-bowling all-rounders. Alex Carey will take the gloves, with Cummins leading the side from No. 8.

The inclusion of both Green and Webster gives Australia additional bowling options while also adding depth to the batting order.

Australia Playing XI vs Bangladesh

• Jake Weatherald
• Travis Head
• Marnus Labuschagne
• Steve Smith
• Cameron Green
• Alex Carey (wk)
• Beau Webster
• Pat Cummins (c)
• Mitchell Starc
• Nathan Lyon
• Josh Hazlewood

Bangladesh squad

Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vc), Soumya Sarkar, Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Amite Hasan, Jaker Ali, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Musfik Hasan.