Australia’s bowling attack dominated the second Test against Bangladesh in Mackay, securing a 51-run victory on 24 August 2024. Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins were the main contributors, while the batting lineup remains a concern ahead of the October tour of South Africa.
Bowling dominance restores confidence
Australia’s second innings was a strong comeback from the Darwin defeat, where the side lost by nine wickets. In Mackay, Starc and Cummins blasted away the Bangladesh batters, reminding selectors of the quality that will be needed in a tough three-test series in South Africa. The bowlers’ performance gave Australia a clear advantage, but the batting unit still shows signs of instability.
Labuschagne’s dismissal raises questions
South Africa-born Marnus Labuschagne was bowled for four in Mackay by Shoriful Islam, the ball catching his thigh pad before hitting the stumps. After the dismissal, Labuschagne appeared visibly frustrated, taking scissors to his thigh pad in an unusual gear modification. His poor form, highlighted by two dismissals in Darwin and the recent four, has prompted speculation that his place in the squad for South Africa may be in doubt.
Openers in flux
The opener position has also been unsettled. Jake Weatherald was dropped after the Darwin fiasco, and his replacement Matt Renshaw fell for eight in his first Test in over three years. The selectors are still evaluating whether Travis Head should remain at the top of the order. Head was moved up from the middle order for the Ashes after Usman Khawaja’s injury, but many former players, including Mark Waugh, argue he should return to the middle.
Selection strategy for South Africa
Australia has chosen a thin 13-man squad for the Bangladesh series but is expected to bring at least 16 players to South Africa, adding extra batting cover. Cameron Green’s recent runs have secured him a spot at number five, and any change to the top order would disrupt the current formula of wicketkeeper Alex Carey at six and all-rounder Beau Webster at seven.
The selectors’ perspective
Carey said there was no urgency to shake up the batting lineup further. “We felt we left some runs out there against Bangladesh, so we are always looking to improve as a batting unit,” he told reporters in Mackay. “We are hungry. We are working really hard.”
Looking ahead
With the bowling attack in fine form, Australia’s focus now shifts to stabilising the batting order. The selectors will need to decide whether to keep Labuschagne, bring in a new opener, or adjust the middle order before the October tour of South Africa.
