Matt Renshaw recalled as Australia keep Nathan Lyon for second Test in Mackay

Australia made one change to their XI for the second Test against Bangladesh in Mackay on 21 August 2026, recalling Matt Renshaw to the top of the order. Selectors also resisted calls to omit Nathan Lyon, keeping the veteran spinner in the side for the Mackay Test.

Renshaw replaces Jake Weatherald, who has been dropped after just one Test, and returns to the opening role he occupied earlier in his Test career. The 30-year-old last played a Test for Australia in 2023, when he featured in the middle order during the tour of India. His recall revives memories of his breakthrough Test campaign in 2016-17, when Renshaw scored his maiden Test century against Pakistan as a 20-year-old.

Conditions in central Queensland prompted debate over whether an all-pace attack might be preferable, with selectors considering leaving Lyon out in favour of Scott Boland and an all-seam unit. That option was ultimately rejected and Lyon retained his place for the Mackay Test. Australia had twice opted for all-seam attacks in pink-ball Tests last year, but Lyon's omission from a red-ball Test when fit would have represented a far more significant call.

On the eve of the match Pat Cummins said: "Trying to give another day to see whether it's four quicks or a spinner." The chosen attack for Mackay comprises Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood alongside Nathan Lyon. There was no change to Marnus Labuschagne's position at No.3 despite his prolonged struggles with the bat.

The decision to recall Renshaw places added responsibility on him to provide stability at the top alongside Travis Head. After the defeat in Darwin, Australia face pressure to produce a much-improved performance and to ensure their 20-Test schedule across 12 months does not begin with another setback.

Australia's XI for the 2nd Test is: Matthew Renshaw, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood. A victory in Mackay would level the two-match series and prevent Bangladesh from securing a historic series win.