Australia seek redemption in Mackay

Australia captain Pat Cummins was hoping his side can put their shock defeat in the opening Test behind them and return to winning ways when they face Bangladesh in the second Test at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay starting today.

Cummins also hoped the move from Darwin's tropical conditions to the milder climate of coastal Queensland can help Australia regain their footing after their nine-wicket defeat.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

“It’s funny, I think if we play really well and we lose, you feel like you do need to do some soul-searching,” Cummins told reporters on Friday. “In some ways, I certainly felt like we didn’t play anywhere near our best, and they played really well, and they deserved to win.”

“I thought our prep was excellent, so I think everyone’s in pretty good nick. It’s just about translating that form into actually good results.”

Australia have made only one change to their XI, with Matt Renshaw coming in for out-of-form opener Jake Weatherald, who was dropped after the first Test.

Despite the change at the top of the order, selectors have retained both Nathan Lyon and Marnus Labuschagne, who also came under scrutiny following the defeat in Darwin.

Cummins had earlier indicated that Australia were considering whether to field four quicks in Mackay, but selectors confirmed Lyon would retain his place shortly afterwards.

The hosts will be desperate not only to level the series but also to restore some pride after their shock defeat in Darwin. Another loss would give Bangladesh their first series victory over Australia. Australia have lost back-to-back Tests only once in the last eight years, when they suffered consecutive defeats in India in 2023.