Matthew Renshaw returns to 13-man squad for series finale after Weatherald struggles with bat in historic Darwin loss
DARWIN: Australia have dropped opening batter Jake Weatherald following their stunning nine-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test, with selectors recalling Matthew Renshaw for the second and final match beginning Saturday.
Weatherald entered the Darwin Test under pressure after struggling to establish himself since making his international debut during the 2025-26 Ashes series.
However, scores of 23 and zero against Bangladesh further weakened his position. The 31-year-old now averages only 20.36 across six Test appearances, prompting selectors to remove him from the 13-man squad announced Tuesday.
Bangladesh’s emphatic victory represented a historic result and intensified scrutiny of Australia’s batting performance.
Weatherald Pays Price for Continued Batting Struggles
Australia head coach Andrew McDonald acknowledged concerns about Weatherald’s technique following the defeat.
McDonald said Weatherald had made changes to his setup and movement but admitted selectors had only a limited sample on which to judge whether those adjustments could withstand pressure at Test level.
Weatherald’s dismissals in Darwin ultimately added to doubts surrounding his ability to secure Australia’s opening position.
Meanwhile, selectors have given Renshaw another opportunity more than three years after his previous Test appearance.
Renshaw Earns Recall After Strong Domestic Campaign
Renshaw last represented Australia in Test cricket against India in Delhi in February 2023. The 30-year-old has played 14 Tests during his international career.
Importantly, he enters the squad following an impressive Sheffield Shield campaign for Queensland, scoring 499 runs from six matches at an average of 49.90.
Renshaw has also established himself more regularly in Australia’s limited-overs teams, making nine ODI and nine T20 international appearances over the past year.
However, Australia made no further squad changes.
Marnus Labuschagne retained his position despite scoring only 31 and one in Darwin, leaving him under pressure to rediscover form as Australia attempt to avoid a historic series defeat.
