Jake Weatherald Dropped as Matt Renshaw Returns for Second Test Against Bangladesh

Australia have dropped Jake Weatherald for the second Test against Bangladesh, with Matt Renshaw called up to replace him after the visitors suffered a heavy defeat in the opening match in Darwin.

Weatherald's omission is the only change to Australia's 13-player squad. The opener managed scores of 23 and 0 in the first Test, taking his tally to 224 runs at an average of 20.36 from six Tests.

The left-hander had worked on a technical adjustment during an off-season stint in county cricket, but the changes failed to deliver against Bangladesh. He edged a drive off Hasan Mahmud in the first innings before dragging the same bowler onto his stumps in the second.

Australia coach Andrew McDonald had previously acknowledged the changes to Weatherald's technique but cautioned against making firm judgments based on a limited sample.

Weatherald, who received a central contract earlier this year, had also admitted before the series that he needed to score heavily to secure his place in the side.

Renshaw Set for Test Return

Renshaw is in line to play his 15th Test and his first since 2023. He had remained on standby for the Bangladesh series and trained with Australia's squad in Brisbane before the opening Test.

The 30-year-old enjoyed an impressive Sheffield Shield campaign last season, averaging 49.90 and scoring three centuries. He has also made a strong impression in Australia's white-ball setup and was added to the T20 World Cup squad earlier this year after Matt Short was ruled out.

Renshaw averages 29.31 in Test cricket, with his highest score of 184 coming against Pakistan in 2017.

His return highlights Australia's continued search for stability at the top of the order since David Warner's retirement in early 2024. Apart from Usman Khawaja, who was Australia's established opener before his final series, seven players have been used in the role.

Travis Head will continue as an opener after his success during the Ashes, while Steven Smith, Nathan McSweeney, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne and Weatherald have also been tried.

Labuschagne Under Pressure

Labuschagne has retained his place despite coming under pressure following a disappointing first Test. He scored 1 and 31 in Darwin and was dismissed in the second innings after missing a full delivery from Taijul Islam.

The selectors have opted not to introduce younger batters such as Ollie Peake or Campbell Kellaway, despite former Australia captain Ricky Ponting supporting the idea of giving emerging players an opportunity.

Josh Inglis remains the reserve batter but is considered an unlikely option for the top three. Scott Boland is the spare fast bowler and would likely only come into contention if Australia decide to rotate one of their frontline quicks.

Josh Hazlewood took seven wickets in the opening Test and is expected to retain his place, while Australia's bowling combination could be influenced by conditions in Mackay, where a frontline spinner is likely to be required.

Australia Squad for Second Test vs Bangladesh

Travis Head, Matt Renshaw, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Scott Boland.