Mackay: Australia have resisted the temptation to drop Nathan Lyon for Scott Boland as they seek to redress a surprise loss to Bangladesh in the first Test in Darwin.
After a final look at the pitch, captain Pat Cummins on Friday confirmed Matt Renshaw would open in place of Jake Weatherald would be the team’s only change.
Cummins explained that Weatherald had not done enough over six Tests to keep his place, and virtually confirmed he would also be missing from the squad for South Africa to play three Tests in October.
“A really tough one for Wethers, I thought he was awesome around the group, really like the way he goes about it, but over the course of six Test matches [he] just didn’t quite score the runs that he or we would’ve liked,” Cummins said.
“Like anyone, go back, knock the door back down. I suspect he’ll be back for a full Shield season, so go and show you’re better than anyone else in that competition.”
After missing six years with back injuries, Cummins returned to Test cricket alongside a young Renshaw in India and Bangladesh in 2017, and said the left-hander had developed a more rounded and consistent game over the decade since.
“For Renners, he’s been really impressive, some great off-season tours to Pakistan and Bangladesh with white ball, so he looks in good nick,” Cummins said. “Had a really good Shield [campaign] last season.
“Some of the chat about Renners in the past is he could look different from day to day. Now when you get to the back half of your career as a batter you want to know what you look like at your best, and I think he does that. The hope with Renners is keep bringing your best version every day, be nice and sharp and put pressure on the bowlers.”
Daniel Brettig is The Age’s chief cricket writer and the author of several books on cricket.Connect via X.From our partners
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