Australian selectors are reportedly considering 31-year-old fast bowler Billy Stanlake as an option for the Test squad. The tall pacer recently returned to international cricket during the ODI series against Pakistan, marking his first appearance for Australia in more than six years after battling several injuries.
Australia will have a demanding schedule of 20 Tests over the next 12 months. With several senior fast bowlers managing heavier workloads, the team is exploring domestic options to strengthen its pace depth. Notably, the team suffered a defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test of the ongoing two-match series.
According to a recent CODE Sports report, Australian selectors are considering Billy Stanlake as an option. The 31-year-old returned to international cricket during the ODI series against Pakistan after more than six years away.
“It’s understood he [Stanlake] has been identified as a serious Test pace depth option given the heavy workload over the coming year,” the CODE Sports report stated.
Stanlake has played only 13 first-class matches since his red-ball debut in 2015. Two of those came for Tasmania earlier in 2026, when he took 4/35 and 1/56 against Western Australia before returning figures of 0/38 and 2/31 against Queensland. Overall, he has 40 first-class wickets at 26.92.
The fast bowler has enjoyed greater success in T20 cricket, where he has taken 27 wickets in 19 internationals at an average of 20.14 and an economy rate of 7.77. In eight ODIs, he has taken seven wickets at 51.57.
Australia Assess Bowling Depth After Bangladesh Defeat
During the first Test in Darwin, Bangladesh scored 426 in their first innings and forced Australia's senior bowlers to spend long periods on the field. The workload has added to calls for Australia to develop more options.
Most of Australia's established fast bowlers are now 35 or older, with Pat Cummins, at 33, the exception. Former Australia captain Allan Border has also called for younger bowling prospects to receive more opportunities during the next 12 months.
Australia's options remain limited because several highly rated fast bowlers are currently injured. Callum Vidler and Mahli Beardman are both recovering from back injuries, leaving the selectors with fewer ready-made replacements.
Bangladesh Win in Darwin Puts Australia Under Pressure
Bangladesh secured a historic nine-wicket win in Darwin, their first Test victory over Australia on Australian soil. Hasan Mahmud led the visitors' attack with 6/55 as Australia were bowled out for 198 in the first innings.
Bangladesh then built a 228-run lead after scoring 426. Tanzid Hasan made 101 for his maiden Test century, while Najmul Hossain Shanto scored 84 and Mehidy Hasan Miraz added 65. Josh Hazlewood took 6/89 and reached 300 Test wickets, but Australia still struggled to contain the visitors.
Cameron Green scored 104 during Australia's second-innings fightback, but Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed 5/66 to bowl the hosts out for 284. Bangladesh chased the 57-run target comfortably and took a 1-0 lead. The second Test begins in Mackay on August 22.
Also read: Jake Weatherald dropped, Matt Renshaw called up for 2nd Test vs Bangladesh
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