Australia name Renshaw in only change to XI for must win Test

Australia have named their side for the second Test against Bangladesh in Mackay, opting to retain Nathan Lyon as their lone frontline spinner despite earlier signals that an all-pace attack was under serious consideration for the milder Queensland conditions.

Matthew Renshaw comes into the XI as the only change from Darwin, replacing dropped opener Jake Weatherald and returning to Test cricket for the first time in three years.

He last featured against India in 2023, but slots back in at the top of the order rather than the middle-order role he had occupied previously.

Captain Pat Cummins had kept reporters guessing after Friday's press conference, declining to confirm the XI and hinting instead that a decision on the bowling balance would wait until closer to the toss.

He was more forthcoming on the fitness front, ruling out any injury concerns within the squad.

According to Cricket.com.au, selectors ultimately met beside the ground shortly after that press conference and settled on retaining Lyon, choosing consistency over a tactical gamble.

Australia have used an all-pace attack twice in pink-ball Tests during 2025, but the last time a fit spinner was left out of a red-ball Test was 14 years ago, at the WACA in Perth.

Marnus Labuschagne keeps his place at number three despite a difficult run of form in the position, while Renshaw's recall marks a significant opportunity at the top of the order for a batter who once scored a maiden century as a 20 year old against Pakistan in the 2016-17 season, before inconsistency saw him repeatedly in and out of the side.

Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood continue to lead the pace attack, with all-rounder Beau Webster also retained, meaning Boland misses out entirely despite being part of the earlier discussion around the XI's balance.

The match, which begins at 6am Bangladesh time on Saturday, carries significant stakes for Australia, who trail 1-0 in the two-match series after their historic nine-wicket defeat in Darwin.

Even a draw in Mackay would hand Bangladesh their first-ever Test series win over Australia, leaving Cummins' side with no option but to chase victory at the Great Barrier Reef Arena.

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