Archive · 18 Aug 2026
Australia's shaky top-order scrutinised after Bangladesh Test defeat
Australia and Bangladesh played a cricket match called a Test match.
The match was held in Darwin, Australia.
Australia did not play well and lost by nine wickets.
Bangladesh won, and it was a big surprise for many people.
After the loss, former Australian players shared their opinions.
Mark Waugh, who used to help pick the team, said the top three batters need to score more runs.
He thinks Jake Weatherald and Marnus Labuschagne are under the most pressure.
Matthew Hayden, another former player, thinks the team should try new openers.
He wants Travis Head to bat at number three and wants Matt Renshaw back in the team.
Australia will play the second and final Test in Mackay starting on Saturday.
Australia lost the opening Test to Bangladesh by nine wickets at Marrara Stadium in Darwin.
The defeat is Australia's second loss of the current ICC World Test Championship cycle.
Mark Waugh said Jake Weatherald and Marnus Labuschagne need runs to secure their spots.
Matthew Hayden wants Travis Head moved to No. 3 and two new openers picked for the second Test.
Hayden also called for Matt Renshaw's inclusion at the top of the order.
- Who
- Australia's cricket team, along with former players Mark Waugh and Matthew Hayden
- What
- Australia suffered a nine-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in the opening Test
- When
- The opening Test was played on Sunday, with the second Test starting Saturday
- Where
- Marrara Stadium in Darwin; the next Test is in Mackay
- Why
- Former players blamed a shaky top-order for the loss and called for changes
Mark Waugh's view
Matthew Hayden's view
Top-order personnel
Mark Waugh's view
Waugh focused on the existing top three, saying Weatherald and Labuschagne need runs and are under pressure to keep their spots.
Matthew Hayden's view
Hayden called for a refresh with two new openers and wanted match-fit Matt Renshaw included.
Travis Head's role
Mark Waugh's view
Waugh said Travis Head will continue opening for the moment, even though he does not think Head is an opener.
Matthew Hayden's view
Hayden said he would put Travis Head at No. 3 and look for new opening batters.
- Result
- Australia lost to Bangladesh by nine wickets
- Venue
- Marrara Stadium, Darwin
- Next Test
- Second and final Test in Mackay, starting Saturday
- Tournament
- ICC World Test Championship
- Losses this cycle
- Two for Australia
- Waugh's concern
- Top three batting, especially Weatherald and Labuschagne needing runs
- Hayden's proposal
- Head at No. 3, two new openers, and Renshaw included