Last Updated on 3 weeks ago by Charbel Coorey
Jake Weatherald’s run as Australian Test opener has come to an end, with Matt Renshaw recalled to Australia’s Test squad. A CODE Sports report on Monday revealed Weatherald was facing the axe after a tough six Tests, with his technique not holding up to the demands of the top level.
Renshaw played the last of his 14 Tests against India in 2023. He batted in the middle order in that series, but solidity at the top is desperately required for the Australians after a horror defeat against Bangladesh in Darwin.
The left-hander scored three centuries and averaged 49.90 in last season’s Sheffield Shield. He also trained with the Australian team in the leadup to the Bangladesh series.
Matt Renshaw will feature in 2nd Test against Bangladeshas calls grew louder for his return
Weatherald’s technique came under the microscope in Darwin. Changes to his stance were on show, with his head position over middle and offstump rather than outside off.
However, the 31-year-old was like a cat on a hot tin roof, making a nervous 23 in the first innings before chopping on with an angled bat for a duck in the second.
Australian legends called for change at the top. Matthew Hayden believes Renshaw is the correct decision, especially considering he’s been solid across formats.
“Mr Versatile, leadership ability, he can bat anywhere. That’s a really solid performance,” Hayden said of Renshaw, as quoted by 7 News.
“And the biggest question, I’ve said it for a long time now, Matt Renshaw. Selectors knew what he was like. Do they now know what he is? We’ve seen some really positive signs in the short format of the game.”
Mark Waugh, speaking on Kayo Sports, echoed those sentiments. He also said Marnus Labuschagne is firmly under the microscope.
“I think Weatherald’s the one under the most pressure, and it wouldn’t surprise me if there were two changes,” Waugh said, as quoted by news.com.au.
“I just think with the South Africa Test series after that, it’d be nice to give someone a Test match before South Africa if you’re going to change the batting order.
“I think you’ve got Inglis, Renshaw, McSweeney, I think they’re the next three batsmen. Renshaw I know hasn’t been picked in recent times, but he was picked as an opener originally. I think he’s playing pretty well at the moment.”
The second Test against Bangladesh begins in Mackay on Saturday August 22.
