Australia captain Pat Cummins has confirmed recalled batter Matthew Renshaw will open in his return to the Test arena for the second Test against Bangladesh in Mackay, while veteran spinner Nathan Lyon has kept his spot in Australia’s XI for the second Test after the skipper said an all-pace attack was under consideration in a bid to level the series. In the pre-match press conference, Cummins confirmed that Renshaw would make his Test comeback at the top of the order but did not announce the full side for the second Test, saying they wanted to give the pitch another day before making a decision at a venue hosting its first Test match.
Selectors convened pitch-side shortly after Cummins spoke and confirmed Lyon had held his spot.
Great Barrier Reef Arena curator Peter Kazakoff said, “Spinners have had a big say later in the match, but obviously that’s not my call. After Australia incurred a shocking nine-wicket loss to Bangladesh in the first Test of their two-match series in Darwin, Australia dropped Jake Weatherald and recalled left-hander Renshaw as his replacement. Marnus Labuschagne and Beau Webster look likely to hold their spots in the XI. But the Aussies have resisted the temptation to leave out the veteran spinner for the second Test. Obviously, those first-class games were a bit later in the year when it was a bit warmer. It’s a lot cooler this time of year, so the moisture will come out of the wicket slower.”
