Mackay, 21 August (H.S.): Australia have announced their playing XI for the second Test against Bangladesh, which begins on Saturday at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, with Matthew Renshaw returning to the side to open the innings alongside Travis Head.

Renshaw has been brought into the team in place of Jake Weatherald, who scored 23 and a duck in the two innings of the first Test and has subsequently been left out of the playing XI. Renshaw last played a Test for Australia against India in 2023, when he batted in the middle order. He will now return to the opening role, having made his Test debut as an opener during the 2016-17 season.

Australia had also considered playing four fast bowlers for the second Test and resting off-spinner Nathan Lyon. Captain Pat Cummins had said before the match that the team would assess the pitch before making a decision on that combination. However, Lyon has been retained in the final XI.

Australia will now look to level the two-match series at 1-1. Bangladesh stunned Australia in the opening Test, securing a victory in the first match.

Cummins acknowledged that Australia were not at their best in the first Test but praised Bangladesh for their outstanding performance, describing them as a strong side. He said Australia take pride in winning as many home Tests as possible and that the team is determined to deliver a much-improved performance in the second match.

Australia Playing XI: Matthew Renshaw, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar