Agar, Khawaja recalled for Bangladesh Test

Ashton Agar and Usman Khawaja have been recalled for Australia's first Test against Bangladesh in Dhaka.

Cri Aust

Usman Khawaja returns to the Australian Test lineup along with Ashton Agar to play Bangladesh. (AAP)

Australia have recalled Ashton Agar and Usman Khawaja for Sunday's first Test against Bangladesh in Dhaka.

Skipper Steve Smith has confirmed left-arm spinner Agar will play his first Test in more than four years after getting the nod ahead of uncapped legspinner Mitchell Swepson.

Khawaja will bat at No.3, with Smith backing him to perform on the subcontinent after an almost eight-month period in which he was overlooked for national duties in any format.

"We need to get him back into the fold and get him playing cricket again," Smith said.

"We've seen what he can do. He's a talented player and hopefully we can see him adapt to the conditions accordingly here and post some big runs."

Allrounder Glenn Maxwell's strong performance in India ensured he will retain the No.6 spot ahead of Hilton Cartwright in an XI that had been largely settled prior to Australia's arrival in Bangladesh.

Swepson, Cartwright and Jackson Bird lost their best chance to force their way into contention when a waterlogged ground forced the cancellation of Australia's only tour match.

The Australians are bracing for a pre-used pitch in the first of two Tests after training on the main ground at the Sher-E-Bangla stadium for the first time on Friday.

"It's pretty dry," Smith said.

"I think they had some practice on that wicket a week or so ago, so it's been used.

"They've put some grass clippings down to make it look a bit greener than what it is but it's pretty dry underneath.

"I dare say it'll be pretty slow and take some spin, particularly as the game goes on."

While Bangladesh are a chance to play three spinners, Smith said it was unlikely that he or fellow part-time tweaker Maxwell would be called upon for more than a few overs.

The skipper instead backed 23-year-old Agar to carry a heavy load in partnership with offspinner Nathan Lyon.

"I think he's come a long way over the last year particularly," Smith said.

"He's been bowling very well in the nets.

"His lengths have been exceptional, so if he can get those right in the game I'm sure he'll have a big impact for us."

With selectors having seemingly moved on from veterans Steve O'Keefe and Shaun Marsh, Agar, Khawaja and Maxwell now have a golden opportunity to press for selection in the summer Ashes series.

Australia XI: David Warner, Matt Renshaw, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith (capt), Peter Handscomb, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Wade, Pat Cummins, Ashton Agar, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon


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Source: AAP



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