Arabic version: أستراليا تبدأ سلسلة اختبارات شاقة أمام بنغلادش

According to The Guardian, Australia’s two-Test series against Bangladesh starts in Darwin before a second match in Mackay in two weeks, opening a run of at least 20 Tests over the following 12 months. It will be the first five-day Test in Australia’s Top End since 2004.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey said the squad had endured a “pretty long winter” while preparing for the next match. He said the players were professional, experienced at preparing for each Test and match-hardened, but said the team would take the schedule “one week at a time”.

The coming programme includes a series in South Africa in October, where Australia will seek to improve on the results of its past three tours of the country after a six-year absence. Next year also brings five-Test overseas series against India and England. Managing the bowling group will be a key issue after an injury-affected summer.

Captain Pat Cummins returns after a back issue limited him to one Ashes Test over the summer. Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon are also back in the squad after absences, alongside Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland. Cameron Green and Beau Webster are in contention for the XI and could offer additional bowling options. Opener Jake Weatherald, who is averaging 22 from five Tests, begins a crucial series in his hometown of Darwin.