Australia are considering changes to their batting line-up ahead of the second Test against Bangladesh after a disappointing start to the series. The nine-wicket loss in Darwin has put pressure on several top-order batters, with Marnus Labuschagne and Jake Weatherald reportedly at risk of being dropped after failing to deliver in the opener.
Weatherald managed just 23 and 0 across the two innings, while Labuschagne followed scores of 1 and 31. With the second Test set to take place in Mackay, Australia could bring Matt Renshaw into the XI as they look to add stability and spark to a batting unit that struggled against Bangladesh.
Marnus Labuschagne, Jake Weatherald Could Be Dropped as Australia Rethink Batting Order
Jake Weatherald and Marnus Labuschagne entered the Bangladesh series with questions already surrounding their spots, and neither did enough in Darwin to silence the doubters. Weatherald made 23 in the first innings before being dismissed without scoring in the second. After 12 Test innings, the opener has managed just one half-century and averages 20.36.
Labuschagne has also struggled to find the form expected from a batter with his experience. He scored 259 runs at an average of 28.77 during Australia’s last home summer and has gone without a Test century since the 2023 Ashes. His modest returns in Darwin have now reportedly put his place under consideration as well.
Australian media reports suggest Matt Renshaw could be brought back into the Test side, with Weatherald the likely player to make way. Renshaw trained alongside the squad in Brisbane before the Bangladesh series and comes off a strong Sheffield Shield season, averaging 49.90 in six matches.
Andrew McDonald Sends Strong Message to Australia Players After First Test Failure vs Bangladesh
Australia coach Andrew McDonald has acknowledged that changes could be on the table after the team’s shock nine-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in the opening Test. The loss has intensified scrutiny on Marnus Labuschagne and Jake Weatherald, while former Test opener Matthew Hayden has backed recalls for Matt Renshaw and Sam Konstas. McDonald said criticism was expected after such a result, admitting, “A lot of people call for change even when we are winning,” and adding that players not performing at the required level would naturally face calls to be dropped.
The Australia coach also confirmed that the selectors could expand the 13-man squad before the second Test in Mackay. “We could add to that. It is a very light squad that we have,” McDonald said, while stressing that a decision would be made in the coming days. He was particularly unhappy with Australia’s batting return of 198 and 284 in Darwin, saying, “I think we are better than that. I can’t sit there and defend that.” Labuschagne managed just 1 and 31, while Weatherald scored 23 and 0.
Labuschagne’s lack of substantial runs remains a major concern, with the No.3 still searching for his first Test century since 2023. McDonald acknowledged that the batter had shown encouraging signs with his technical adjustments but was blunt about the result: “It is easy for me to sit here and try and defend that but ultimately it is 31. It is not a big score.” Weatherald’s technical changes are also still being assessed after his poor returns, with McDonald noting that the sample size was too small to judge whether they would withstand pressure.
