Australia drop Weatherald, recall Renshaw for Bangladesh Test

MELBOURNE: Australia have made a change to their squad for the second Test against Bangladesh, dropping opener Jake Weatherald and recalling Matt Renshaw after a shock nine-wicket defeat in Darwin.

Weatherald’s removal is the only change to Australia’s 13-man squad, but it could have wider implications for the team’s batting order. The 30-year-old struggled in the opening Test, scoring 23 in the first innings before being dismissed for a duck in the second.

His difficult start has added to concerns over his Test credentials. Weatherald has now played six Tests and has managed 224 runs at an average of 20.36, leaving selectors with little choice but to make a change as Australia look to level the two-match series.

Renshaw, meanwhile, returns to the Test setup after an absence of more than three years. The left-hander last played a Test for Australia in 2023 and has earned his recall after an impressive Sheffield Shield campaign.

The Queensland batter scored 499 runs in six Sheffield Shield matches last season at an average of 49.90, including three centuries. His domestic form had already put him firmly in contention for a return to the national red-ball side, and the latest selection gives him another chance to revive his Test career.

Renshaw’s return could also add experience and stability to an Australian batting line-up that was exposed by Bangladesh in Darwin. Australia were beaten by nine wickets in the first Test, suffering a result that put Bangladesh 1-0 ahead in the series.

Travis Head is expected to continue opening the innings, while Renshaw is in line to partner him at the top of the order. The combination will be closely watched as Australia attempt to respond to their unexpected home defeat.

Attention will also remain on Marnus Labuschagne, who is under pressure to produce a substantial score. Labuschagne managed only 32 runs across the first Test, and his place is increasingly being discussed amid competition for batting positions.

Australia will need a much stronger collective performance in the second Test. Bangladesh demonstrated in Darwin that they can challenge the hosts in their own conditions, making the upcoming contest an important test of Australia’s ability to recover quickly.

The second Test is scheduled to begin in Mackay on Saturday, with Australia aiming to draw the series and Bangladesh seeking another historic result. The changes ensure the second Test will carry significant pressure for Australia’s top order.

Australia squad:

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