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Australia will be desperate to respond strongly when they face Bangladesh in the second and final Test at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay from August 22 to 26. The hosts suffered a shock nine-wicket defeat in Darwin in the series opener, leaving them with no option but to win the second Test if they are to avoid a historic series loss.
The defeat has already prompted one change to Australia’s squad. Opener Jake Weatherald has been dropped after scores of 23 and 0 in Darwin, with Matthew Renshaw recalled to the Test setup after more than three years. Renshaw earned his recall after an impressive Sheffield Shield campaign in which he scored 499 runs at an average of 49.90.
Despite the defeat, Australia’s selectors have largely retained faith in the squad that featured in the opening Test. Marnus Labuschagne remains in the group despite being under pressure for runs, while Josh Inglis and Scott Boland have also retained their places.
Here is Australia’s predicted playing XI for the second Test against Bangladesh.
Travis Head is expected to continue opening the innings after moving to the top of the order in the absence of Usman Khawaja.
The left-hander’s aggressive approach gives Australia an opportunity to put Bangladesh’s bowlers under pressure from the outset. Head will need to be more consistent, though, after Australia’s batting unit struggled in Darwin.
His battle against Bangladesh’s new-ball attack could be crucial to Australia’s hopes of getting off to a strong start.
Matthew Renshaw is the obvious replacement for Weatherald and should return to Test cricket as Travis Head’s opening partner.
The Queenslander has extensive experience in the format and previously played 14 Tests for Australia. His strong domestic form ultimately earned him a recall.
Renshaw’s selection could provide Australia with a more traditional Test opener capable of absorbing pressure and batting for long periods.
Interestingly, the second Test is being played in Queensland, making the recall particularly significant for the left-hander.
Marnus Labuschagne is likely to retain his place despite being under considerable pressure.
The former No. 1 Test batter has struggled for consistency in recent years, and his performance in Mackay will be closely monitored. Australia’s coaching staff have made it clear that they want him to produce substantial runs.
Labuschagne’s ability to occupy the crease for long periods could be vital against Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling attack.
Steven Smith should continue at No. 4 and remains one of Australia’s most dependable Test batters.
The former captain will be expected to provide stability if Bangladesh’s bowlers strike early. Smith’s unorthodox technique has produced countless runs in Test cricket, and Australia will need another substantial contribution from their premier middle-order batter.
His experience will also be important in guiding a relatively inexperienced top order.
Cameron Green was one of the few major positives for Australia in Darwin after scoring a century in the second innings.
The all-rounder demonstrated his ability to absorb pressure and play a substantial innings despite Australia’s difficult position. His bowling also gives Pat Cummins an additional option.
Green’s form could be one of Australia’s biggest advantages heading into Mackay.
Beau Webster is expected to retain his place as the team’s seam-bowling all-rounder.
Webster’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball provides Australia with valuable balance. His medium pace can also be useful if Cummins needs an additional option during a long innings.
With Australia’s top order under pressure, Webster could also become important if the hosts find themselves needing lower-order runs.
Alex Carey should continue behind the stumps and is set to play his 50th Test.
The wicketkeeper-batter’s experience will be invaluable, particularly with Australia’s bowling attack expected to play a major role in Mackay.
Carey will also be expected to contribute runs from the No. 7 position. His ability to counterattack against tiring bowlers could give Australia crucial momentum in the second innings.
Captain Pat Cummins will lead Australia’s attack and remains central to their plans.
The Australia skipper will be keen to produce a much-improved performance after Bangladesh successfully negotiated Australia’s bowling attack in Darwin.
Cummins’ use of short-pitched deliveries, changes of length and attacking fields could prove decisive against Bangladesh’s top order.
Mitchell Starc should retain his place as Australia’s premier left-arm fast bowler.
His pace and ability to generate movement with the new ball make him a major threat, particularly if the Mackay surface offers early assistance.
Starc will also be expected to attack Bangladesh’s lower order with the older ball and use his yorkers effectively.
Josh Hazlewood is another certainty for the XI.
The right-arm seamer remains one of the most accurate bowlers in world Test cricket and will be expected to provide Cummins with control from one end.
Hazlewood’s ability to maintain a probing line outside off stump could be particularly important against Bangladesh’s technically sound batters.
Nathan Lyon should complete Australia’s playing XI as the specialist spinner.
The veteran off-spinner will have a major role to play as the Test progresses. While Australia’s quicks are expected to dominate early, Lyon could become increasingly important if the Mackay pitch begins to deteriorate.
His experience of bowling long spells will also allow Cummins to rotate his pace attack effectively.
Travis Head, Matthew Renshaw, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (WK), Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon
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