Australia has made a surprise withdrawal from its squad for the second Test against Bangladesh by dropping opening batter Jake Weatherald – and recalling Matt Renshaw back into the Test setup. The decision comes on the back of Australia’s disappointing nine-wicket loss in the first Test of two in Darwin.
The loss in the opening Test was always going to put Weatherald’s place under hot temperature. The left-hander had made 23 in Australia’s first innings and fell for a third-ball duck his second time up. He battled throughout, unable to dominate or impose his will as Bangladesh secured a momentous win in their Tour of Australia.
Selectors have now turned to experience, bringing Renshaw back into Australia’s Test setup after previously playing in 2023. In his 14 Tests so far, the 30-year-old Queensland batter has a solitary century to his name. His domestic record in recent months also strengthened his case for a return, Renshaw scored 499 runs from six Sheffield Shield matches at an average of 49.90.
At least, that’s how Hughes has been performing as a top-order batsman but the second Test starting Tuesday will give Renshaw an opportunity to partner Travis Head in the opening slot. With his inclusion it provides Australia one more left-handed bat at the top and potentially greater surety after Australia’s batting line-up battled for fluency against Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling unit in Darwin.
Marnus Labuschagne remains under pressure with the blade but Australia have stuck by the rest of their squad, announcing a 13-man party for the series. Labuschagne managed just 1 and 31 in the first Test but selectors opted to stick by him for another chance at building a solid performance and confidence.
The second Test takes place in Mackay starting on August 22, with Australia eager to bounce back from suffering a shock home defeat in Tests. Bangladesh won the Test in Darwin, which is a historic victory for cricket‘s Test winless rut against Australia on Australian soil but this has piled pressure on the hosts ahead of their series finale.
Australia will need to have a serious improvement with the bat in Mackay which, given the points on offer for the World Test Championship, is sure to weigh heavily on their minds. The Renshaw recall is an early indication of selectors’ troubleshooting for their top six and making it balanced before the last Test of the series.
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