Australia Names First-Test XI for Bangladesh Series in Darwin

Australia announced its playing XI for the opening Test against Bangladesh at Darwin’s TIO Stadium, marking the return of Test cricket to the city after a 22-year hiatus. Captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat. The side features a four-bowler quartet—Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood—alongside a middle order of Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk) and Beau Webster.

‘Pretty tight’ Boland reveal as first Test XI locked in, key batting order call made

Bangladesh’s squad includes wicket-keeper Litton Das, who recovered from a calf strain, and fast bowler Taskin Ahmed, who expressed enthusiasm about the challenge. The visitors are without pacers Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam, while Ebadot Hossain replaces Khaled Ahmed as the third seamer.

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Test cricket last visited Darwin in 2004; the 2026 series revives the venue after more than two decades. Bangladesh’s previous tour of Australia in 2003 ended in a 2-0 loss, making this series a key opportunity for the side to improve its record on Australian soil.

Taskin Ahmed 'really honoured' to be playing Test series against Australia

• Pat Cummins – Australia captain, fast-bowling spearhead.

‘Pretty tight’ Boland reveal as first Test XI locked in, key batting order call made

• Josh Hazlewood – Recalled after a 12-month absence from Test cricket.

‘Pretty tight’ Boland reveal as first Test XI locked in, key batting order call made

• Nathan Lyon – Veteran off-spinner, back from a hamstring injury.

‘Pretty tight’ Boland reveal as first Test XI locked in, key batting order call made

• Cameron Green – All-rounder promoted to No. 5.

‘Pretty tight’ Boland reveal as first Test XI locked in, key batting order call made

• Taskin Ahmed – Bangladesh fast bowler, highlighted the honor of facing Australia.

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Cummins said Hazlewood’s selection was a “tight call,” emphasizing the need for a balanced pace attack and confirming Lyon’s inclusion as a priority. He also defended the batting order, keeping Carey at No. 6 and positioning Green at No. 5 for stability. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto confirmed Das’s fitness while noting minor “niggles” within the camp.

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• Four-bowler quartet: Cummins, Starc, Lyon, Hazlewood.

‘Pretty tight’ Boland reveal as first Test XI locked in, key batting order call made

• Opening pair: Head and Weatherald.

Hazlewood keeps Boland out of Australia XI for first Test

• Bangladesh fast-bowling changes: Ebadot Hossain added; Khaled Ahmed omitted.

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• Test return to Darwin: 22 years since the last match.

‘Pretty tight’ Boland reveal as first Test XI locked in, key batting order call made

• “They’re both pretty class, aren’t they?” — Pat Cummins

‘Pretty tight’ Boland reveal as first Test XI locked in, key batting order call made

• “I think we were pretty certain we wanted Lyno [Lyon] inside, so just kind of working out what the make-up of the quicks were,” — Pat Cummins

Hazlewood keeps Boland out of Australia XI for first Test

• “From my childhood, I've been watching Australia team players, like great fast bowlers, legendary players,” — Taskin Ahmed

Taskin Ahmed 'really honoured' to be playing Test series against Australia

The two-match series will continue with the second Test in Mackay, where Bangladesh will field a fit Shoriful Islam. Australia’s squad will remain largely unchanged, pending any injury updates.

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