Axe hangs over Australian batters after Darwin disaster

Australia's nine-wicket loss to Bangladesh in the first Test in Darwin has sparked calls for a generational change in the team, with openers Jake Weatherald and Marnus Labuschagne at risk of being dropped. The defeat, described by Australian media as a disaster and the most embarrassing ever, came after Bangladesh dominated all four days. Former captain Ricky Ponting said there was enough evidence to start regenerating the side, while Matthew Hayden noted the top order was putting pressure on the middle order.

The second Test begins in Mackay on Saturday (August 22). Matt Renshaw is the most obvious replacement for Weatherald, while Kurtis Patterson or Nathan McSweeney could replace Labuschagne, though neither is in outstanding form. There is also support for younger players such as Sam Konstas and Cooper Connolly. Sportstar reports that Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who scored 65 and took five for 66, said the team is now eyeing a series win. He credited team manager Nafis Iqbal and coach Mushtaq Ahmed for rebuilding belief after a heavy warm-up defeat.

Australia face a three-Test series in South Africa in October. The bowling unit of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon remains in favour, though off-spinner Lyon, aged 38, may be vulnerable after being outbowled by Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Todd Murphy, 25, is considered first in line to replace Lyon.