Australia's 'Fab Four' bowlers all in for first test v Bangladesh

 Australia's 'Fab Four' bowlers will bowl together for the first time since the West Indies tour in 2025.

Paceman Josh Hazlewood has edged Scott Boland out of Australia's attack for the first test against Bangladesh, ensuring the hosts' 'Fab Four' bowlers will reunite for the first time in over a year. Hazlewood will combine with fellow quicks Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc at Darwin's Marrara Oval from Thursday, with 38-year-old Nathan Lyon the sole specialist spinner.

Australia captain Pat Cummins confirmed the selection on Wednesday, saying the decision to pick Hazlewood over Boland was a tough one. The trio of Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon have all returned from injury to join Starc in a full-strength attack.

The 'Fab Four' have not bowled together since the West Indies tour a year ago due to various injuries. Chief selector George Bailey had earlier indicated that all four would be available for the two-match series, which forms part of the World Test Championship cycle.

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

The hosts begin a massive year of test cricket in unusual surrounds, playing Bangladesh in the country's tropical north for the first time since 2003. The two-match series will be followed by tours to Sri Lanka, South Africa and India as Australia face a demanding schedule of potentially 21 tests in 12 months.

Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon played only three tests between them during the Ashes in the last home summer. Their return gives Australia its most experienced attack in more than a year.

Bangladesh will face the full strength of Australia's bowling unit in Darwin. The visitors have not won a test in Australia and will be up against a reunited attack that has dominated world cricket in recent years