Lyon back as Aussies name full-strength Test squad
Australia has named a full-strength squad for two Test matches against Bangladesh next month.
Veteran spin bowler Nathan Lyon has been named in the 13-player list as he works his way back from a nasty hamstring injury.
Nathan Lyon is back in the Test squad. AP
Australia will take on Bangladesh in Darwin from August 13, and then in Mackay from August 22.
Lyon, 38, has not played a match since hobbling off the Adelaide Oval during the Ashes against England in December.
In an interview last month he said he was not prepared to retire from cricket just yet.
“I was sitting there with my wife and I literally said to Em, ‘I’m not ready to give up this, I’m missing this right now’,” Lyon said.
He is the only specialist spinner named in the 13-player squad, which also includes twin all-rounders in Cameron Green and Beau Webster, reserve fast bowler Scott Boland, and reserve middle-order batter Josh Inglis.
Fast bowlers Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett, as well as off-spinner Todd Murphy, have all been cut from the squad that was named for the Ashes finale in Sydney.
Superstar quicks Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are back in the fold after missing matches through injury.
“The (national selection panel) look forward to the return of Pat, Josh and Nathan,” selection chief George Bailey said on Tuesday.
“They have worked extremely hard… over the past few months to return from their respective injuries.
“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.
“As previously stated, the volume of cricket and schedule across the next 12 months are likely to present further opportunities across all formats for many players.”
Australia is set to play a whopping 21 Test matches over a 12-month period, starting next month.
Australia Test squad vs Bangladesh
Pat Cummins, (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.
