Jake Weatherald has retained his position in Australia’s men’s Test squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh, despite a challenging Ashes campaign last summer. The squad, which includes 13 players, welcomes the return of key players: Captain Pat Cummins, paceman Josh Hazlewood, and spinner Nathan Lyon, all recovering from injuries.

The Test series will take place in Darwin from August 13-17 and in Mackay from August 22-26, forming part of the Test world championship.

Notably absent from the squad are Usman Khawaja (retired), along with Michael Neser, Todd Murphy, and Brendan Doggett. Weatherald will resume his opening partnership with Travis Head after participating in all five Tests against England, scoring 201 runs at an average of 22.33.

Australia’s chair of selectors, George Bailey, expressed confidence in Weatherald’s potential:

There were moments in that Ashes series where we liked the combination of what Jake and Travis were able to bring. Hopefully we do see some growth out of that and some understanding of what it takes for success at Test level.

Cummins has only played one Test since July last year due to stress fractures in his back. He returned for the third Test against England in Adelaide, where Lyon suffered a severe hamstring injury requiring surgery. Hazlewood was sidelined during the Ashes due to hamstring and Achilles issues.

Bailey highlighted Steve Smith's enthusiasm for the upcoming challenges, stating, "He’s probably not on his lonesome there... there’s some really big, key series ahead."

Australia's rigorous Test schedule also includes series against South Africa, India, and England, following the Bangladesh series.