Australia drop Weatherald as Renshaw returns for Mackay Test

Poor Darwin outing costs Jake Weatherald his place as Matt Renshaw earns a recall for the second Test against Bangladesh

Australia have made one change to their squad for the second Test against Bangladesh, with Jake Weatherald dropped and Matt Renshaw recalled following the hosts' heavy defeat in Darwin.

Weatherald's omission comes after a disappointing first Test in which he scored just 23 and 0. The opener now has only 224 runs from his first six Tests at an average of 20.36.

Renshaw, who has been waiting in the wings after training with Australia's squad in Brisbane, has been brought in as his replacement. The 30-year-old is in line to play his 15th Test, and his first since 2023.

Weatherald unable to make an impact

Weatherald entered the Bangladesh series having worked on his batting technique during a stint in county cricket.

However, the changes did not produce the desired results in Darwin. He edged a drive against Hasan Mahmud in the first innings before being bowled by the same bowler after dragging the ball onto his stumps in the second.

Australia coach Andrew McDonald had acknowledged that Weatherald had altered aspects of his setup and movement but suggested that it was difficult to judge whether those changes would withstand pressure after such a small sample.

Weatherald had previously admitted that his position depended on scoring runs.

Renshaw gets another opportunity

Renshaw has been rewarded for a strong domestic campaign in the Sheffield Shield, where he averaged 49.90 last season and scored three centuries.

He has also made an impression in Australia's limited-overs setup and was added to the T20 World Cup squad earlier this year as a replacement for Matt Short.

Renshaw's Test record remains mixed. He averages 29.31 from 14 matches, with his highest score of 184 coming against Pakistan in 2017.

His recall nevertheless gives him an opportunity to re-establish himself at the top level.

Australia continue search for a stable opener

The latest change highlights Australia's ongoing search for a long-term partner for Travis Head at the top of the order.

Since David Warner's retirement in early 2024, Australia have used seven different openers apart from Usman Khawaja, who remained established at the position until his final series against England.

Head moved into the role during the Ashes after Khawaja's injury in Perth and has retained it following his outstanding performances.

Nathan McSweeney, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne and Weatherald have all subsequently been tried alongside him.

Labuschagne under pressure

While Weatherald has been removed from the squad, Marnus Labuschagne has retained his place despite another difficult Test.

Labuschagne made just 1 and 31 in Darwin and could now be under significant pressure to deliver in Mackay.

Australia have opted against bringing younger batting prospects such as Ollie Peake or Campbell Kellaway into the squad.

Josh Inglis remains the reserve batter, although he is not considered a natural option for the top three.

Bowling attack likely to remain unchanged

Australia's pace attack is also expected to stay intact after the Darwin Test.

Josh Hazlewood claimed seven wickets in the opening match, while Scott Boland remains the reserve fast bowler.

Conditions in Mackay could lead Australia to consider a frontline spinner, but any change to the bowling combination is likely to depend on workload management.

Australia squad for second Test

Travis Head, Matt Renshaw, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Scott Boland.

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