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New Delhi: Australia have welcomed back captain Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon for the upcoming two-Test World Test Championship series against Bangladesh. The 13-player squad, announced by the National Selection Panel on Monday, sees three of the team’s most experienced bowlers return after injury setbacks.

The series begins in Darwin from August 13 to 17 before moving to Mackay for the second Test from August 22 to 26. Australia will be looking to make a strong start as they begin another World Test Championship campaign with most of their first-choice players available again.

Cummins returns after missing several months with a back stress injury. The Australian skipper has not played since the Ashes win in Adelaide, with that match being his only international appearance across all formats over the past year.

Hazlewood and Lyon also return after lengthy spells on the sidelines. Hazlewood has recovered from hamstring and Achilles issues and has already made his return to competitive cricket during this year’s Indian Premier League. Lyon, meanwhile, is back after missing a large part of last season.

The selectors have chosen experience over recent performances from fringe players. Michael Neser, who impressed during the Ashes, has missed out on the final squad despite strong displays. Todd Murphy and Brendan Doggett have also been left out but remain available if required.

Chair of selectors George Bailey praised the work put in by Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon during their recoveries.

“The NSP look forward to the return of Pat, Josh and Nathan. They have worked extremely hard, individually and with the SSSM teams, over the past few months to return from their respective injuries,” Bailey said.

The Bangladesh series will also be Australia’s first Test assignment since Usman Khawaja’s retirement, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the side. With a busy international schedule ahead, Australia will be hoping their senior players stay fit as they aim for another place in the World Test Championship final.

Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald and Beau Webster.