The 30-year-old Queensland batter Matt Renshaw replaces the struggling Jake Weatherald in the Australian squad for the 2nd Test against Bangladesh, which starts on August 22 at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay.
Matt Renshaw’s recall to the Test squad comes on the back of Australia’s shocking defeat to visiting Bangladesh in the 1st Test at Darwin, which ended in less than four days—something no one would have expected.
Jake Weatherald, who has been part of Australia’s Test squad since last year’s home Ashes, has been dropped following his poor outing in the 1st Test at Darwin, where he scored 23 and 0.
Meanwhile, Matt Renshaw isn’t new to Test cricket, having represented Australia in 14 Test matches and scored 645 runs at an average of close to 30. He has one century and three half-centuries to his name in 24 innings, with a best score of 184.
Renshaw made his Test debut in 2016 against South Africa in Adelaide but lost his place after a dip in form in 2018. He made his comeback to the Test setup in 2023, but it was for a short stint against South Africa and India. He last represented Australia in whites against India in Delhi in February 2023.
Renshaw didn’t get another opportunity after failing to score in double digits during his return, which forced him to lose his place. He had been with the group several times, including during the 2023 Ashes series in England, but didn’t get the chance to find a place in the starting XI.
Now, the time is right for the technically sound southpaw to make the opportunity count as Australia looks to build its squad for next year’s Ashes in England.
Australia Squad for the 2nd Test Against Bangladesh
Travis Head, Matt Renshaw, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Beau Webster, Josh Inglis (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland.
