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Australia are set to make two significant changes to their playing XI for the second Test against Bangladesh, with Nathan Lyon's place under threat and Matt Renshaw set to return to the side.
Captain Pat Cummins has confirmed that Matt Renshaw will make his comeback in Mackay after Jake Weatherald was dropped following Australia's nine-wicket defeat in the opening Test in Darwin. Meanwhile, Australia could opt for an all-seam attack, which would leave Nathan Lyon out of the XI.
Nathan Lyon’s place in danger for Mackay Test
Nathan Lyon's place in Australia's Test XI is under serious threat after the veteran spinner endured a difficult outing against Bangladesh in the opening Test.
Lyon managed only one wicket in Bangladesh's first innings, conceding 102 runs from 31 overs. Nathan Lyon went wicketless in the second innings, giving away another 23 runs from five overs as Bangladesh chased down a target of 57 with ease.
The off-spinner also contributed 7 and 15 with the bat as Australia suffered a nine-wicket defeat in Darwin.
Under Pat Cummins, Australia have never left Nathan Lyon out of a red-ball Test when he has been fit. However, that record could now be broken as the selectors consider their bowling combination for the second Test.
Pat Cummins is expected to make the final call after the team has inspected the Mackay surface, with Scott Boland an option if Australia decide to go with an all-seam attack.
Australia did use an all-seam pace attack in two pink-ball Tests last year, but leaving out Nathan Lyon would still represent a major selection call given his importance to the team over the years.
Matt Renshaw set to open vs Bangladesh
While Lyon's place remains uncertain, Matt Renshaw's return to the Australian Test XI has been confirmed by Pat Cummins.
The Queenslander is set to replace Jake Weatherald at the top of the order after the latter managed scores of 23 and 0 in Darwin. Weatherald was dismissed by Hasan Mahmud in both innings and was subsequently dropped from the squad.
Matt Renshaw is set to return to the opening role he occupied earlier in his Test career. He last played a Test in 2023 and will now feature in his 15th match in the format.
The 30-year-old has plenty of experience in the position, including a century against Pakistan during the 2016-17 season when he was only 20 years old. He also has two first-class centuries at Mackay, giving him some familiarity with the venue.
Matt Renshaw earned his recall after a strong Sheffield Shield campaign for Queensland last season. He averaged 49.90 and scored three centuries, while he had also trained with the Australian squad in Brisbane ahead of the Bangladesh series.
Overall, Renshaw has scored 645 runs in 14 Tests at an average of 29.31, with a highest score of 184 against Pakistan.
His return also continues Australia's search for a settled opening partner since David Warner's retirement. Travis Head has remained at the top of the order following his successful stint during the Ashes, while Renshaw will now get another opportunity to establish himself in the role.
Australia looking to avoid whitewash against Bangladesh
Australia will enter the second Test looking to bounce back from a shock defeat against Bangladesh in Darwin.
The hosts were bowled out for just 198 in their first innings, with Hasan Mahmud claiming six wickets. Steven Smith's 71 was Australia's highest score, but Bangladesh responded with a massive 426, with Tanzid Hasan scoring 101 and Najmul Hossain Shanto making 84.
Australia improved with the bat in their second innings, with Cameron Green hitting a century, but were eventually dismissed for 284. Bangladesh needed only 57 runs in the final innings and reached the target with nine wickets remaining.
The second Test will be played at Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay from August 22 to 26. It will be the venue's first-ever Test match, with Australia needing a win to level the two-match series against Bangladesh.
