Australia kicks off a grueling 20-Test season against Bangladesh, featuring the return of Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood, and Lyon.

Test cricket is set to make a long-awaited return to Australia’s tropical Top End, with the national team facing Bangladesh in a two-match series commencing this Thursday. This marks the first time since 2003 that the sport will be played in this region, and it will be Bangladesh's inaugural Test tour of Australia in over two decades. The first match will take place at Marrara Stadium in Darwin, kicking off a busy year for the Australian team, which is slated to play at least 20 Tests in the next 12 months, including series against South Africa, India, and England.

Australia is poised to field its primary bowling attack, with Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon returning from injuries. Mitchell Starc will also be part of the squad. The recent injury struggles have limited the opportunities for these key players to compete together in previous series. Hazlewood's anticipated return means that Scott Boland will not be included in the lineup, while allrounders Cameron Green and Beau Webster are set to make their mark in the starting XI. “We know Scotty's class; it is always a pretty tight call,” Cummins remarked during a press conference on Wednesday. “There is a lot of cricket coming up, and I am sure he will be out there at some point pretty soon.”

While Australia’s bowling attack appears solid, uncertainties linger regarding the batting order. Jake Weatherald, the first Test player from the Northern Territory, retains his position following Australia’s Ashes victory over England last season, despite some recent struggles. He is expected to open the batting alongside Travis Head. The retirement of Usman Khawaja has paved the way for both Green and Webster to feature in the same lineup. Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith are set to bat at No. 3 and No. 4, respectively, with Labuschagne eager to secure his place in the team with a strong performance.

On the other hand, Bangladesh will be missing key bowlers Nahid Rana, Mustafizur Rahman, and Shoriful Islam for the first Test. Shoriful may return for the second match scheduled in Mackay from August 22 to 26. Rana, a promising fast bowler, played a crucial role in Bangladesh's recent ODI series victory over Australia but sustained a side strain during a T20I against Zimbabwe in July.

This series against Bangladesh marks the beginning of a packed schedule for Australia, which includes a potential additional match if they qualify for the World Test Championship final. Following the second Test, Australia will embark on a tour of South Africa for three Tests in October, followed by a home series against New Zealand and a five-Test series in India. The year will culminate with a one-off day-night Test against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in March, celebrating 150 years of cricketing rivalry between the two nations, and an away Ashes series starting in June.