Australia have confirmed their playing XI for the second Test against Bangladesh, with Matt Renshaw returning to the side after more than three years. The left-hander will open alongside Travis Head at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay, replacing Jake Weatherald after he struggled in the series opener.
The hosts were stunned by Bangladesh in the first Test and now face a must-win contest to avoid losing the two-match series. Australia had considered going with four frontline pacers, but Nathan Lyon has ultimately retained his place in the XI.
Matt Renshaw replaces Jake Weatherald at the top
Renshaw last played a Test for Australia in 2023 against India, featuring in the middle order on that occasion. He will now return to the opening position, where he made his Test debut during the 2016-17 season. Weatherald has been dropped after scoring 23 and 0 in the opening Test. The batter has managed only one half-century in his Test career and now averages 20.36 after 12 innings.
Australia captain Pat Cummins admitted that it was a difficult decision but felt Weatherald needed to return to domestic cricket and work his way back into contention. The Australia captain also backed Renshaw to make the most of his opportunity after an encouraging period in domestic and white-ball cricket.
Nathan Lyon retained as Australia look to level series
Lyon’s inclusion comes after Australia briefly considered a change to their bowling combination. Cummins had suggested that the team was weighing up whether to play four fast bowlers or retain a specialist spinner. The selectors ultimately opted to keep Lyon in the XI, meaning Scott Boland misses out once again. Reserve wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis has also not been included.
Australia enter the second Test under pressure after Bangladesh secured their first-ever Test victory on Australian soil in the series opener. The visitors posted 426 in the first innings before bowling Australia out for 198 and 284. Bangladesh were left with only 57 to chase in the final innings and completed a nine-wicket win. The hosts now need a victory in Mackay to draw the two-match series.
Australia playing XI for second Test against Bangladesh: Matthew Renshaw, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
