18 Aug 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Australia have made one change to their 13-player squad for the second and final Test against Bangladesh, dropping opener Jake Weatherald and recalling left-handed batter Matthew Renshaw.
Weatherald Pays Price for Poor First Test
Weatherald struggled in Australia’s nine-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in the opening Test, scoring just 23 and 0 across his two innings.
Australia were bowled out for only 198 in their first innings, with the team’s top order coming under pressure after the unexpected defeat.
Renshaw Earns Test Recall
Matthew Renshaw has been brought back into the squad after more than three years away from Test cricket.
The 30-year-old’s most recent Test appearance came in Delhi against India in 2023, when he entered the match as a concussion substitute for David Warner.
Renshaw has remained involved in Australia’s white-ball setup and now gets another opportunity in the longer format.
Labuschagne Retains His Place
Regular No. 3 Marnus Labuschagne has retained his place despite continued concerns over his recent run of form.
Australia coach Andrew McDonald acknowledged that Labuschagne had looked promising during his second-innings knock but ultimately scored only 31 runs.
The batter remains under pressure to produce bigger scores.
Australia Look to Bounce Back
The squad change comes after Bangladesh stunned Australia with a nine-wicket victory in the first Test in Darwin.
Australia will now be looking to respond strongly in the second match and level the two-Test series.
Second Test in Mackay
The second Test is scheduled to begin on August 22 at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay.
Australia’s squad includes Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon.
Australia’s 13-Player Squad
- Pat Cummins (captain)
- Scott Boland
- Alex Carey
- Cameron Green
- Josh Hazlewood
- Travis Head
- Josh Inglis
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Nathan Lyon
- Matthew Renshaw
- Steve Smith
- Mitchell Starc
- Beau Webster