Australia will be desperate to bounce back and level the two-Test series against Bangladesh when the second Test begins on August 22 at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay.
Bangladesh made history in the series opener in Darwin, securing their first-ever Test win in Australia and only their second Test victory in SENA conditions. The visitors produced a disciplined all-round performance and will now look to carry that confidence into the second game.
Australia, however, will be determined to respond strongly after a disappointing performance in the opening Test. With their backs against the wall, the hosts will need a much-improved effort across all departments to keep the series alive.
Shoriful Islam in contention for Bangladesh
Bangladesh have a selection decision to make ahead of the second Test. Left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam has joined the squad and could come into the playing XI, potentially replacing left-arm spinner Taijul Islam.
The conditions in Mackay are expected to offer more assistance to the seamers, which could encourage Bangladesh to strengthen their pace attack. If Shoriful comes in, Bangladesh would have a formidable pace unit featuring Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud and Ebadot Hossain.
However, head coach Phil Simmons could decide against making changes to a winning combination. Bangladesh will be keen to maintain the balance that helped them pull off a historic victory in Darwin.
Matt Renshaw returns for Australia
Australia have already confirmed their playing XI for the second Test, with Matt Renshaw replacing the struggling Jake Weatherald at the top of the order. Renshaw is expected to open alongside Travis Head.
The hosts also considered going in with four specialist fast bowlers, which would have meant leaving out veteran spinner Nathan Lyon. However, Australia have retained Lyon in the XI.
Lyon will be under pressure to deliver after a disappointing outing in the first Test, where he managed only one wicket across the two innings while conceding more than 100 runs.
Australia will need much more from their senior players, with the entire team falling well below expectations in Darwin. Another defeat would hand Bangladesh a historic 2-0 series victory, making this a must-win contest for the hosts.
Australia vs Bangladesh, 2nd Test Squads
Australia: Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matt Renshaw, Beau Webster.
Bangladesh: Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Soumya Sarkar, Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Amit Hasan, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vice-captain), Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Musfik Hasan.
Where to Watch Australia vs Bangladesh 2nd Test in India?
The second Test will be telecast live on Star Sports in India. Fans can also watch the live stream on the JioHotstar app and website.
The match is scheduled to begin at 6:00 AM IST.
Where to Watch in Bangladesh?
Fans in Bangladesh can watch the live stream of the Australia vs Bangladesh series on Tapmad.
Where to Watch in Australia?
Viewers in Australia can follow the second Test live on Channel Seven, 7plus, Kayo Sports and Foxtel.
