Australia have opted against unleashing a four‑pronged pace attack for the second Test against Bangladesh in Mackay, with captain Pat Cummins confirming that Matt Renshaw will return to the XI as an opening batter.
Renshaw replaces Jake Weatherald, who was dropped after six underwhelming Tests. Despite expectations that the Great Barrier Reef Arena pitch will heavily favour fast bowlers, Australia have retained off‑spinner Nathan Lyon, who will play his 143rd Test after taking 1‑102 in the first innings of Australia’s nine‑wicket loss in Darwin.
Outstanding seamer Scott Boland, who did not feature in the first Test, has again been overlooked and will now wait until the South Africa tour in October for his next Test opportunity.
Pitch curator Peter Kazakoff said the Mackay surface would offer significant assistance to quicks on both sides.
“We’re aiming for a lot of pace,” he said. “We’ve got the same sort of clay as the Gabba, so we’re expecting similar characteristics.”
Australia confirmed their XI including Lyon an hour after Cummins told reporters he was considering an all‑pace attack. Kazakoff said spinners would still have a role later in the match.
“Spinners have had a big say in previous first‑class games here,” he said. “They’ll come into the game as it wears.”
The second Test begins with Australia seeking to level the series after Bangladesh’s dominant victory in Darwin.
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