Melbourne, 18 August (H.S.): Following Australia’s humiliating nine-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in the opening Test in Darwin, the hosts have made one change to their squad for the second and final Test. Opening batter Jake Weatherald has been dropped, while left-handed batter Matthew Renshaw has been recalled to the squad.

Australia suffered a shock nine-wicket defeat against Bangladesh in the first Test in Darwin, raising serious concerns over the team’s batting performance. Weatherald managed scores of only 23 and 0 in the match.

Weatherald made his international debut during last year’s home Ashes series. He has scored 224 runs in six Tests at an average of 20.36, including just one half-century.

Head coach Andrew McDonald said Weatherald had made some adjustments to his batting technique, including changes to his stance and movement at the crease. However, he acknowledged that it was difficult to determine from such a small sample whether those adjustments would prove effective under the pressure of international cricket.

Renshaw’s inclusion is being viewed as a more conventional option for Australia. The 30-year-old Queenslander has already scored three first-class centuries at the Mackay venue and is now in line for a Test return. He last played a Test against India nearly three years ago. Renshaw has scored 645 runs in 14 Tests at an average of 29.31, including one century and three half-centuries.

Renshaw has, however, enjoyed strong form in the domestic Sheffield Shield. He scored 499 runs in 10 innings for Queensland at an average of almost 50, including three centuries and a half-century.

Inglis Could Also Open

Australia also have wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis as an option to partner Travis Head at the top of the order. The five-Test player has generally batted in the middle order in Sheffield Shield cricket. However, his scores of 40 and an unbeaten 125 against the England Lions last November have strengthened the case for giving him an opportunity higher up the order.

Australia currently trail the two-match Test series 0-1 after Bangladesh’s emphatic victory in Darwin. The second and final Test will be played in Mackay from August 22.

Australia 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 and Beau Webster.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar