Australia has made its first major change following the shock Test defeat to Bangladesh, with opener Jake Weatherald dropped from the squad for the second and final Test in Mackay.
Weatherald managed scores of 23 and 0 during Australia’s stunning nine wicket loss in Darwin, a result that handed Bangladesh their first Test victory on Australian soil and immediately placed Australia’s batting order under intense scrutiny.
The 31 year old has played six Tests and averages just over 20, with selectors deciding to make a change as Australia looks to avoid an embarrassing series defeat.
Matthew Renshaw has been recalled and is expected to take his place at the top of the order alongside Travis Head. Renshaw returns to the Test setup for the first time in more than three years after an impressive Sheffield Shield season, where he scored 499 runs at an average close to 50.
The decision comes despite Weatherald being awarded a Cricket Australia contract earlier this year, highlighting just how quickly the pressure has intensified following the Darwin loss.
Australia captain Pat Cummins admitted after the first Test that the side’s batting was not functioning as it should and flagged the possibility of changes ahead of the Mackay clash.
While Weatherald has paid the price, questions remain over the rest of Australia’s batting lineup. Marnus Labuschagne has retained his place despite continuing scrutiny over his recent Test form.
For Renshaw, the second Test presents a huge opportunity to re establish himself at Test level. For Australia, it is about far more than one selection change.
After what has been labelled the “Darwin Disaster,” Australia heads into the second Test needing a response and a loss in Mackay would hand Bangladesh a historic 2–0 series sweep.
Can Matt Renshaw help Australia bounce back, or are the problems with the Test side much deeper than one opener?
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