Australia drop Jake Weatherald for second Test against Bangladesh

Australia have dropped Jake Weatherald and brought Matt Renshaw into the squad for the second Test against Bangladesh, following their nine-wicket defeat in Darwin. Weatherald made 23 in the first innings and was dismissed without scoring in the second.

The opener’s removal follows a difficult start to his Test career. Across six matches, Weatherald has collected 224 runs at an average of 20.36, and his latest failure has opened the way for Renshaw to return to the side.

Renshaw is in line for his 15th Test appearance. He enters the squad after a strong domestic first-class campaign for Queensland, where he averaged 49.90 and scored three centuries last season.

The selection change continues Australia’s search for a settled opening combination since David Warner retired in 2024. Renshaw will become the seventh opener used by Australia during that period as the team prepares for the second match against Bangladesh.

Marnus Labuschagne also remains under pressure at number three. Head coach Andrew McDonald has indicated that Australia need a substantial contribution from Labuschagne, adding another focus for the team after the heavy defeat in Darwin.

Australia’s squad for the second Test consists of Travis Head, Renshaw, Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Beau Webster, captain Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis and Scott Boland. The changes give Renshaw an opportunity to strengthen an unsettled top order while Australia attempt to respond to Bangladesh’s victory.