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Australia will begin their 2026-27 World Test Championship campaign against Bangladesh when the two sides meet in the first Test at Marrara Stadium in Darwin from Thursday, August 13. The hosts have already confirmed their playing XI, with captain Pat Cummins revealing a formidable combination featuring the return of Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon.
The match marks Australia’s return to Test cricket after a long break and will also see their premier pace trio of Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Hazlewood operate together again. Scott Boland, despite his impressive record, misses out, while Cameron Green is expected to bat at No. 5.
Jake Weatherald is set to open the innings for Australia. The left-hander has an important opportunity to establish himself at the top of the Test order after Usman Khawaja’s retirement. Playing a Test in Darwin will also make this a particularly significant occasion for the Northern Territory-born batter.
Weatherald will need to negotiate Bangladesh’s new-ball attack carefully, particularly given the possibility of movement and bounce early in the innings.
Travis Head should partner Weatherald at the top. The aggressive left-hander has become one of Australia’s most influential Test batters and can put opposition bowlers under pressure from the beginning.
His ability to score quickly could be particularly valuable if Bangladesh’s seamers fail to find early movement.
Marnus Labuschagne is expected to occupy the No. 3 position. The right-hander remains a key part of Australia’s Test batting core and will be tasked with providing stability once the opening pair departs.
Against Bangladesh’s spinners, Labuschagne’s ability to play long innings could prove crucial.
Steven Smith will continue in the middle order and remains one of Australia’s most experienced batters. His ability to absorb pressure and build substantial Test innings makes him an obvious candidate to take control if Bangladesh strike early.
Smith’s experience will also be particularly useful given that this is Australia’s first Test in Darwin in more than two decades.
Cameron Green is expected to bat at No. 5. His return gives Australia a genuine all-round option and strengthens an already deep batting order.
Green’s ability to contribute with the ball also gives Cummins tactical flexibility, although Australia’s frontline bowling attack means his primary responsibility is likely to be with the bat.
Alex Carey will take the wicketkeeping gloves and occupy the No. 6 position. The left-handed batter has become a reliable presence in Australia’s Test side and provides valuable runs alongside his work behind the stumps.
His ability to counterattack against tiring bowlers could be important in the latter stages of an innings.
Beau Webster is expected to provide further all-round depth at No. 7. His inclusion gives Australia another seam-bowling option while also extending the batting order.
Webster’s presence means Australia can operate with considerable depth even before reaching their specialist bowlers.
Mitchell Starc will lead Australia’s attack with his left-arm pace. His ability to generate bounce and swing makes him a major threat with the new ball, while his experience allows Cummins to deploy him in attacking spells throughout the Test.
Starc’s angle against Bangladesh’s right-hand-heavy batting order could be particularly difficult to handle.
Captain Pat Cummins returns to lead the side after an extended period dealing with injury. His combination of pace, bounce and accuracy makes him Australia’s premier fast-bowling leader.
Cummins will have the added responsibility of managing a pace attack that is returning together after a lengthy absence.
Nathan Lyon returns as Australia’s specialist spinner. The veteran off-spinner’s experience will become increasingly important if the Darwin surface deteriorates as the Test progresses.
Lyon will also be expected to bowl long spells and attack Bangladesh’s middle and lower order.
Josh Hazlewood gets the nod ahead of Scott Boland to complete the XI. Hazlewood’s accuracy and ability to extract movement from seemingly unresponsive surfaces make him an ideal partner for Starc and Cummins.
His return gives Australia a genuinely intimidating three-man pace attack.
Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Beau Webster, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
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