Australian selectors have made one change to their 13-member squad for the second Test of the series against Bangladesh. In the aftermath of the historic defeat in Darwin to Najmul Hossain Shanto-led Bangladesh, Jake Weatherald has lost his place in the side. 31-year-old Weatherald has been dropped after 224 runs from six Tests, averaging just over 20 and one fifty to his name. He registered scores of 23 and 0 against Bangladesh in Darwin.
Who is Weatherald’s replacement?
The George Bailey-led selection committee has recalled Matt Renshaw, as advised by many including former opener Matthew Hayden. Renshaw is set to play his first Test since 2023 when Australia toured India. Renshaw has played 14 Tests, scored 645 runs at an average of 29.31. He has a century and three fifties in Tests.
In the previous Sheffield Shield season, the Queensland batter was one short of 500 runs from 10 innings. He averaged almost 50 and scored three centuries and a fifty in the season.
ALSO READ: Jadeja enters Starc, Akram's list, becomes 6th left-arm bowler to achieve this feat in Test cricket
Another chance for Labuschagne
Somehow, Marnus Labuschagne has retained his place in the squad. It will be interesting to see whether he retains his place or Josh Inglis gets a crack at no.3.
Labuschagne has got a clear message from head coach Andrew McDonald after he registered scores of 1 and 31 in the previous Test. McDonald was impressed with how Labuschagne batted in the second innings up until his dismissal but wants big runs from the batter. This might be the last chance for Labuschagne to retain his place in the squad.
The second Test of the series will begin on August 22 at Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay.
Australia’s 13-member squad for 2nd Test vs Bangladesh
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.
Bangladesh squad for Australia Test series
Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vc), Soumya Sarkar, Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mominul Haque Showrab, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Amite Hasan, Jaker Ali Anik, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Musfik Hasan, Litton Das, Shoriful Islam.