Losing to Bangladesh at home in Darwin has sent shockwaves through the Australian team, the board, the selectors, and the fans.
Hosting Bangladesh for the first time since 2003, Australia were touted to sweep away the Asian team with ease. However, the hosts’ vulnerabilities and frailties in both batting and bowling departments were laid bare and exposed by a Bangladeshi unit that has been upbeat under Najmul Hossain Shanto.
In the 2nd Test, even grander history awaits Bangladesh: only one Asian team, India, has managed to win a Test series in Australia. For now, while Bangladesh dream of a series win in Mackay, Australian captain Pat Cummins and coach Andrew McDonald must be wondering how to get back their team to play its best cricket.
The selectors are reported to meet ahead of the 2nd Test and could add in a batsman in the squad. Australia could ring in one, two, or even three changes for the 2nd Test, which is slated to begin on August 22 in Mackay.
AUS vs BAN: 3 Changes Australia Could Make For 2nd Test Against Bangladesh
Jake Weatherald Out, Matt Renshaw In
Matt Renshaw was touted to make a comeback in the Australian squad for the tour of India in the BGT 2027. However, he might find himself playing in Mackay, as patience for the Australian selectors and management might run out for opener Jake Weatherald, who has rarely looked in his place in Test cricket.
Weatherald made his Test debut in the Ashes 2025/26, and in six Tests, he averages only 20. Renshaw, who played 14 Tests between 2016 and 2023 in his early and mid-20s, seems to be hitting his peak: Renshaw averaged 49.90 in last season’s Sheffield Shield and now could be back on the Aussie side.
Marnus Labuschagne Out, Josh Inglis In
Marnus Labuschagne’s place currently is under a huge doubt and has been for the last few years. He was dropped after the ICC WTC Final 2025 but then returned for the Ashes following a scintillating show in domestic cricket.
However, Labuschagne has now gone 42 innings and three years without a Test century, and he’s averaged 25 in this period.
He looked good in his knock of 31 in the second innings in Darwin, but coach McDonald made it clear that they demanded more runs from their experienced No. 3.
Labuschagne might lose his place to Josh Inglis in Mackay in the 2nd Test against Bangladesh. Apart from being the backup wicketkeeper, Inglis is the only spare batsman in the Australian squad, so if Marnus does lose out on his place, Inglis is the likely candidate to get it.
Beau Webster Out, Cooper Connolly In
Seam-bowling all-rounder Beau Webster had a forgettable game against Bangladesh: Webster scored 12 & 5 and had figures of 0/28 & 0/12.
With Cameron Green sealing his spot through a classy century, Cummins and Australia must be relieved of the pressure on their premier seam-bowling all-rounder.
The selectors might take a punt by roping in the highly talented Cooper Connolly, a left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder from Perth who averages 42 with the bat in his inexperienced career of 13 first-class matches. Connolly also has a five-for to show in red-ball cricket.
Given how the Aussie batters were found lacking innovation against the disciplined Bangladeshi bowlers, Connolly could prove to be the X-factor for Australia.
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