AUS vs BAN: Renshaw returns as Australia resist dropping Lyon for 2nd Test in Mackay
India Today · India Today Sports Desk · 2026-08-21T12:56:02+00:00 · nguồn gốc
AUS vs BAN: Renshaw returns as Australia resist dropping Lyon for 2nd Test in Mackay
AUS vs BAN 2nd Test: Matt Renshaw returns to Australia's top order for the second Test against Bangladesh in Mackay, with Nathan Lyon retaining his place as the hosts make one change to their XI after losing the opening match of the series.
Australia have made just one change to their XI for the second Test against Bangladesh in Mackay, bringing Matt Renshaw back to the top of the order as they look to level the series after their surprise defeat in Darwin.
Renshaw replaces Jake Weatherald, who has been dropped after just one Test, and will return to the opening role he occupied earlier in his Test career. The 30-year-old last played a Test for Australia in 2023, when he featured in the middle order during the tour of India.
His return to the top of the order revives memories of his breakthrough Test campaign in 2016-17, when Renshaw scored his maiden Test century against Pakistan as a 20-year-old.
Australia had also considered making a significant change to their bowling attack, with the conditions in central Queensland prompting discussions over whether Nathan Lyon could be left out in favour of Scott Boland and an all-pace attack.
However, selectors ultimately decided against the gamble, with Lyon retaining his place for the Mackay Test.
LYON RETAINS HIS PLACE
Australia had twice opted for all-seam attacks in pink-ball Tests last year, but Lyon's omission from a red-ball Test when fit would have represented a far more significant call.
The veteran spinner has therefore retained his place as Australia attempt to respond to their defeat in Darwin and avoid losing the two-match series.
Pat Cummins had indicated on the eve of the match that selectors wanted more time before settling on the make-up of the attack.
"Trying to give another day to see whether it's four quicks or a spinner," Cummins said.
In the end, Australia opted for the more familiar combination, with Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood joined by Lyon in the bowling attack.
There was also no change for Marnus Labuschagne, despite his prolonged struggles with the bat. The former vice-captain remains at No.3 as Australia resist the temptation to make wholesale changes after their disappointing performance in the opening Test.
The decision puts greater responsibility on Renshaw to provide stability at the top alongside Travis Head.
Australia need victory in Mackay to level the series and prevent Bangladesh from securing a historic series win. After their defeat in Darwin, the pressure will be on the hosts to produce a much-improved performance and ensure their 20-Test schedule across 12 months does not begin with another setback.
Australia's XI for 2nd Test: Matthew Renshaw, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood