Australia’s batting came under scrutiny after their unexpected nine-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in Darwin, with former Test batter and selector Mark Waugh calling on the top order to deliver in the second Test in Mackay.
The defeat at Marrara Stadium was Australia’s second loss in the current World Test Championship cycle. With the series finale beginning on Saturday, selectors have limited time to decide whether changes are needed.
Waugh believes Jake Weatherald and Marnus Labuschagne are under pressure after failing to make a significant impact in the first Test.
“It’s really about the batting and the top three,” Waugh told Fox Cricket. “It’s Jake Weatherald and Marnus Labuschagne. Those guys need runs. There’s no doubt about it.”
Waugh was particularly concerned about Weatherald and felt the opener was making things difficult for himself by constantly adjusting his technique. “I’m concerned about Jake Weatherald. Looking at him, he’s trying to tinker with his technique. I think there are a lot of things going on in his head,” Waugh said.
“He’s making life very difficult for himself. Marnus, we said he batted better in the second innings, but he could have been out earlier a number of times. “He hasn’t made big runs for a while. He’s got runs in the bank, which is sort of keeping him in the side.” Waugh believes Weatherald is more likely to lose his place, while Labuschagne deserves another opportunity.
“I think it’s a 50-50 call on these guys for the next Test. I think Weatherald’s probably the one in the biggest danger. Marnus, I’d give him another go.” Josh Inglis could come into consideration as he is already in the squad, while Matthew Renshaw, Ollie Peake and Nathan McSweeney are other batting options.
Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden has suggested a bigger change, with Travis Head moving to No. 3 and two new openers coming into the side. “I would put Travis Head at No. 3 and then start to look for a refresh and a refit at the top of the order,” Hayden said on Channel Seven.
Australia captain Pat Cummins said selectors would take time before deciding on changes. “I think it’s a balance of ‘It’s one Test’ – but it’s also a little bit of a trend as well,” Cummins said. “If we need to make some changes to our style, we’ve got a week or so, and we better do it pretty quickly.”
Australia Test squad: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.
