Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Gillespie Says Australia Needs New Players After Darwin Defeat
Bangladesh beat Australia by nine wickets in a Test match in Darwin.
Jason Gillespie said Australia did not bat well in the first innings.
He praised Bangladesh for playing patiently and earning a deserved victory.
Australia will soon play another Test in Mackay.
Matt Renshaw has been brought into the team, and Scott Boland could also be considered.
Gillespie said Australia has an ageing team and will need younger players.
He believes Marnus Labuschagne must score runs to keep his place.
Cameron Green also needs to perform consistently.
Gillespie said Australia has several young batting and bowling options waiting for opportunities.
Bangladesh defeated Australia by nine wickets in the Darwin Test.
Jason Gillespie said Australia’s batting was poor, while Bangladesh played patient, effective Test cricket.
Gillespie expects Australia to rebound in Mackay, with Matt Renshaw replacing Jake Weatherald and Scott Boland possibly considered.
He described Australia’s squad as ageing and said selectors will introduce new players over the next six to 12 months.
Gillespie said Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green and other Australian players must produce more consistent performances.
- Who
- Bangladesh defeated Australia, while former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie assessed Australia’s performance and future options.
- What
- Bangladesh won the Darwin Test by nine wickets, prompting concerns about Australia’s batting, ageing squad and need for new players.
- When
- The comments followed the Darwin Test; Gillespie said changes could occur over the next six to 12 months.
- Where
- The defeat took place in Darwin, with the next Test scheduled for Mackay.
- Why
- Gillespie attributed Australia’s problems mainly to poor batting and said selectors must identify players with the skills to succeed at Test level.
- Result
- Bangladesh won the Darwin Test by nine wickets.
- Australia’s next change
- Matt Renshaw replaced Jake Weatherald for the Mackay Test.
- Selection question
- Australia may consider Scott Boland, with the choice potentially involving a seamer or spinner.
- Fast-bowling trio
- Jason Gillespie backed Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood after their first-Test performances.
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Gillespie said Labuschagne’s place could be in jeopardy if he fails to score in Mackay.
- Cameron Green
- Green scored 104 in the second innings at Darwin but was urged to become more consistent.
- Potential young players
- Ollie Peake, Jayden Goodwin, Campbell Kellaway and Sam Konstas were identified as possible future batting options.