Australia will be looking for an immediate response when the second Test against Bangladesh gets underway at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay, with the hosts suddenly facing the prospect of a shock series defeat. Bangladesh comprehensively outplayed Australia across four days in Darwin to record a famous victory, exposing some major concerns in an Australian batting order that struggled badly against both pace and spin. Mackay now becomes Australia's 12th men's Test venue, and while the hosts remain strong favourites to level the series, Bangladesh arrive with genuine belief that they can complete one of the great touring results in their history.
We bring you our full preview and expert tips for Australia vs Bangladesh below, with odds thanks to Dabble!
Australia vs Bangladesh 2nd Test Preview & Betting Tips
McKay, Saturday 22 August, 10:30am AEDT
Australia
Squad: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Renshaw, Beau Webster
Australia have reacted quickly to the defeat in Darwin, dropping Jake Weatherald after the opener managed scores of just 23 and 0 in the first Test. Weatherald's Test average sits only slightly above 20 after six matches and Matthew Renshaw has been recalled as his replacement. With no other changes to the squad, the most likely scenario is a straight swap at the top of the order, with Renshaw partnering Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith and Cameron Green retaining their positions through the middle order.
Renshaw's recall is particularly interesting given his outstanding record at the Great Barrier Reef Arena. The Queenslander is the only player to have scored two first-class centuries at the venue, making 135 against Victoria in 2023-24 and 170 against New South Wales in 2015. Scott Boland and Josh Inglis were left out in Darwin, with Inglis dealing with a minor back complaint, but both are expected to be available for selection. Australia could therefore make further changes, although the experienced bowling attack of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon is likely to be given the opportunity to respond.
Bangladesh
Squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vc), Soumya Sarkar, Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mominul Haque Showrab, Mushfiqur Rahim, Amite Hasan, Jaker Ali Anik, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Musfik Hasan
Bangladesh could hardly have been more impressive in Darwin, producing a complete team performance to stun Australia despite entering the Test without two of their leading fast bowlers. Nahid Rana has now returned home to continue his rehabilitation from a side strain, but Shoriful Islam has passed a fitness test and will be available in Mackay. The left-armer's return gives Bangladesh another quality pace option, although breaking up the attack that dismissed Australia twice in around 140 overs would be a difficult call.
That could see Bangladesh name an unchanged XI, with Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury again supporting the spin combination of Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam. Litton Das also came through the opening Test without any apparent issues following his recent calf problem and should retain his place behind the stumps. After such a convincing victory, there is little reason for Bangladesh to make unnecessary changes, and the Tigers should head to Mackay confident that the same combination can again expose Australia's vulnerable batting order.
Match Prediction
Australia should respond and level the series, but there is very little appeal in taking the hosts at such a short price after what unfolded in Darwin. The Australian batting line-up should be considerably better prepared for Bangladesh's pace contingent after seeing plenty of Hasan, Taskin and Ebadot in the first Test, and the change from Weatherald to Renshaw could also provide greater stability at the top. Australia to win is the match prediction, but the slim price means the player markets look a much better avenue for finding value in Mackay.
Player Prop Bets
Mehidy Hasan Miraz – Most Bangladesh First Innings Wickets
Australia should be better prepared for Bangladesh's pace attack after seeing plenty of it in Darwin, but Mehidy remains a major problem. The off-spinner took five wickets in Australia's second innings of the first Test and looks the best bet to lead Bangladesh's wicket-taking in Mackay.
Miraz Top BAN Wickets (1st Inn)
$4.00
Steve Smith – Top Australia First Innings Run-Scorer
Smith looked Australia's most comfortable batter for much of the first Test, making 71 in the first innings despite the rest of the top order struggling badly. He failed to convert his starts into a century, but his experience and ability to adjust make him the standout candidate to top-score in Mackay.
Smith Top AUS Runs (1st Inn)
$4.00
Marnus Labuschagne – Under Total Match Runs
Labuschagne is under enormous pressure after scores of 1 and 31 in Darwin. His judgement of length and when to play or leave looks well below his best, and with his place at No.3 now under scrutiny, another difficult Test could be on the cards. Back his total runs under.
Labuschagne Under 32.5 Runs (1st Inn)
$1.90
