After shocking Darwin defeat, Australia make big change for Bangladesh Test

Australian captain Pat Cummins, second left, leads his players from the field following their nine wicket loss to Bangladesh AP/PTI)

Australia have confirmed a key change at the top of their batting order for the second Test against Bangladesh, with recalled opener Matthew Renshaw set to make his return to the Test side in Mackay.Captain Pat Cummins confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Renshaw will open the innings after Australia made changes following their shock nine-wicket defeat in the series opener in Darwin.The second Test will mark Renshaw’s return to Test cricket after more than three years. The 30-year-old last played a Test in Delhi against India in 2023, when he appeared as a concussion substitute for regular opener David Warner.Since then, Renshaw has continued to represent Australia in ODI and T20I cricket, but his latest recall comes after Australia’s top order struggled badly in the opening Test against Bangladesh.Renshaw has replaced Jake Weatherald, who has been dropped after the defeat. Marnus Labuschagne and Beau Webster are expected to retain their places in the batting line-up.Australia also faced a major selection call over veteran spinner Nathan Lyon. Lyon managed only one wicket in the first Test, prompting discussion about whether Australia could go with an all-pace attack as they look to level the two-match series.However, Australia have ultimately decided to retain Lyon. The selectors confirmed his place in the XI shortly after Cummins addressed the media.Australia’s playing XI for the second Test is:Matthew Renshaw, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.The decision to retain Lyon is significant given Australia’s recent willingness to rely entirely on pace in certain conditions. The team used an all-seam attack twice in pink-ball Tests last year.However, leaving Lyon out of a red-ball Test when fit would have been a major break from tradition. The last time Australia omitted the veteran spinner from a Test despite him being fit was 14 years ago, at the WACA Ground in 2012.Australia now face a must-win Test in Mackay after Bangladesh took a 1-0 lead in the series with their nine-wicket victory in Darwin. Renshaw’s return at the top and Lyon’s continued presence in the attack will be central to Australia’s attempt to bounce back.

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