Australia have made a change at the top of their Test batting order, with Matt Renshaw replacing Jake Weatherald for the second Test against Bangladesh in Mackay.
Weatherald’s third-ball dismissal in 2nd innings of Darwin proved to be his final innings for Australia for now, with the 31-year-old dropped after two low scores in the series opener.
The decision comes as Australia look to level the series and avoid a first series defeat in four years. Weatherald had already acknowledged before the Darwin Test that he needed runs to keep his place.
Marnus Labuschagne has retained his position at No.3, but his place remains under scrutiny. Australia coach Andrew McDonald said after the nine-wicket defeat that Labuschagne needs to produce “big runs” to strengthen his position.
Renshaw returns to the Test side after last appearing in 2023, when he was used as a substitute batter in India. The left-hander has played 14 Tests, with his highest score of 184 coming against Pakistan at the SCG in 2017.
He had been part of Australia’s expanded 19-man squad training in Brisbane in the build-up to the Darwin Test after a strong run in white-ball cricket.
The selectors, led by George Bailey, have now opted to give Renshaw another opportunity with a demanding period ahead, including a Test series against South Africa in October.
Australia captain Pat Cummins had also called on the top order to spend more time at the crease after their nine-wicket defeat in Darwin.
