Australia launch 20-test year in Top End against depleted Bangladesh

Cricket competition resumes in Australia's tropical Top End region after a 20-test cycle, commencing with a match against Bangladesh. This marks the first time since 2003 that test cricket has graced the Top End. The series opener at Marrara Stadium in Darwin signals Bangladesh's first test tour of Australia in over two decades.

Australia's bowling lineup includes returning players Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, and the addition of Scott Boland. Pace bowlers Cummins, Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and offspinner Lyon form the core of Australia's bowling attack. In the batting department, Jake Weatherald and Travis Head are expected to open the innings, with Usman Khawaja's retirement creating space for structural adjustments.

The inclusion of Green and Webster as dual all-rounders adds versatility to the bowling department. Bangladesh arrives with a depleted bowling lineup, including Nahid Rana, Mustafizur Rahman, and Shoriful Islam, with Shoriful potentially returning for the second match. The batting lineup faces challenges due to injuries, with Mushfiqur Rahim ruled out and the top order struggling.

This opening test initiates a 12-month schedule of 20 test matches for Australia, potentially culminating in a World Test Championship final, followed by tours of South Africa, India, New Zealand, and England, including an Ashes series marking the 150th anniversary of the two nations' cricket encounters.