Matthew Renshaw will return to the Test side for the first time in more than three years. Photo: AFP
Matthew Renshaw will return to the Test side for the first time in more than three years after Australia confirmed their XI for the second World Test Championship match against Bangladesh in Mackay on Friday.
Renshaw replaces Jake Weatherald at the top of the order and will open alongside Travis Head, while veteran spinner Nathan Lyon retained his place after captain Pat Cummins had earlier suggested Australia could field a four-man pace attack.
Scott Boland and reserve wicket-keeper-batter Josh Inglis miss out.
Renshaw, 30, last played a Test in 2023 but Cummins backed the left-hander to make a successful return.
“We just want his best,” Cummins told reporters.
“I think some of the kind of chat about Renners in the past is he can look different from day to day.
“I think now, when you get to your back half of your career as a batter, you want to really know what you look like at your best and I think he does that.”
Australia’s XI is: Matthew Renshaw, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood.
