Australia have reacted quickly to their stunning nine-wicket defeat against Bangladesh in Darwin, dropping Jake Weatherald from the squad for the second Test in Mackay. Matthew Renshaw has been recalled and is now the leading candidate to open alongside Travis Head as Australia look to respond after one of their most disappointing home Test results in recent memory.
Jake Weatherald pays the price after difficult debut
Weatherald’s return to Test cricket lasted just one match, with the left-hander unable to make an impact against Bangladesh. He scored 23 in the first innings before falling for a duck in the second, edging behind initially and later chopping the ball onto his own stumps.
Those failures have left Weatherald with an average of just 20.36 after 12 Test innings, and the selectors have opted for a swift change at the top of the order. The decision comes only months after Weatherald earned his national contract following an impressive domestic campaign and strong contributions alongside Head during Australia’s 4-1 Ashes triumph. He had also worked on technical weaknesses that had previously resulted in LBW dismissals and bowled dismissals against England. However, his struggles in Darwin have given the selectors little reason to persist with him immediately.
Matt Renshaw emerges as the natural replacement
Renshaw appears to have the strongest case to replace Weatherald at the top of the order. The 30-year-old was among the standout Sheffield Shield openers last season, scoring three centuries in 10 innings while averaging close to 50. His record at Mackay could also work in his favour. Renshaw has already scored two first-class centuries at the venue, which is set to host its first Test match. Familiarity with the conditions could make his inclusion even more appealing as Australia attempt to level the series.
Renshaw also brings considerable international experience, having played 14 Tests for Australia. His last appearance came in Delhi three years ago, although he batted in the middle order during that match.
Marnus Labuschagne under pressure
Renshaw is not the only selection change being discussed. Josh Inglis remains in the 13-man squad and provides another possible option at the top of the order. Although primarily a middle-order batter in Sheffield Shield cricket, Inglis has previously demonstrated that he can open, scoring 40 and an unbeaten 125 for the Cricket Australia XI against the England Lions last November.
Marnus Labuschagne is another concern after an underwhelming outing in Darwin. The No.3 managed scores of only 1 and 31 and continues to search for a return to his best form.
Labuschagne has now gone almost three years without an international century and averages just 25.23 across his last 42 Test innings. With Australia desperate for a response in Mackay, his position is likely to attract further scrutiny.
Australia squad for 2nd Test: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster
