Australia have made just one change for the second Test against Bangladesh in Mackay, reversing an earlier indication that Nathan Lyon could make way for Scott Boland.
Pat Cummins had suggested Australia were considering two changes after their nine-wicket defeat in Darwin. He said the final XI could wait until Saturday’s toss as the selectors weighed the balance of their bowling attack.
Instead, Australia confirmed their team only a short time later. Lyon keeps his place, while Matt Renshaw comes into the XI for Jake Weatherald.
The decision ends speculation that Australia would field four specialist quicks at the Great Barrier Reef Arena. The cooler conditions in central Queensland had encouraged the selectors to consider dropping Lyon and strengthening the pace attack.
Australia have rarely left a fit Lyon out of a Test. The off-spinner’s last omission from a red-ball Test came 14 years ago at Perth’s WACA Ground.
The selectors therefore opted to keep their most experienced spinner for a match Australia must win. Bangladesh lead the two-Test series 1-0 after their historic victory in Darwin, meaning a draw in Mackay would give the Tigers their first Test series win over Australia.
Renshaw returns to the Test side for the first time since 2023. The 30-year-old replaces Weatherald and will open the innings alongside Travis Head.
Renshaw has played 14 Tests and made his debut as a 20-year-old during the 2016-17 season. He scored a century against Pakistan in his first Test series as an opener but later lost his place after struggling for consistency.
He now gets another chance at the top of the order, with Australia desperate for a stronger start after their batting collapsed in Darwin.
Marnus Labuschagne also keeps his place despite continued struggles at No. 3. Steve Smith, Cameron Green and Alex Carey remain in the middle order, while Beau Webster retains his place.
Cummins leads an unchanged pace attack of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood alongside himself.
Australia XI: Matt Renshaw, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
