Australia keep faith in opening bat, recall big guns

Opening batsman Jake Weatherald has retained his spot in Australia’s Test squad for the looming series against Bangladesh.

Weatherald, despite a middling Ashes campaign last summer, is among a 13-man squad bolstered by the return of a trio of big guns.

Captain Pat Cummins, paceman Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon all return after recovering from injury.

“They have worked extremely hard, individually and with the (fitness) teams, over the past few months to return from their respective injuries,” Australia’s chairman of selectors George Bailey said.

“While this is a 13-player squad, we have players prepared and available should any adjustments be required in the lead up to these matches.

“The volume of cricket and schedule across the next 12 months are likely to present further opportunities across all formats for many players.”

Missing from Australia’s squad for the final Test against England last January are Usman Khawaja (retired), Michael Neser, Todd Murphy and Brendan Doggett.

The Australians host Bangladesh in Darwin from August 13-17 and Mackay from August 22-26, the start of a gruelling 12 months featuring 20 Test matches.

Weatherald wil resume his opening batting partnership with Travis Head after playing all five Tests last summer against England.

The Darwin-born left-hander made only 201 runs at an average of 22.33 but has been given another chance to enhance his Test credentials.

Australia squad:

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