AUS vs BAN 2026: 'Don't reinvent the wheel' - Pat Cummins backs Labuschagne for 2nd Test

Australia will face Bangladesh in the second Test at Mackay from Saturday, August 22, 2026, after Bangladesh defeated Australia by nine wickets in the opening match at Darwin. Marnus Labuschagne is continuing at number three despite scoring only 1 and 31 in the first Test, keeping his place as Australia looks to level the series.

Australia captain Pat Cummins has backed Labuschagne to return to form at Mackay, citing the batter's proven track record and recent training performances. Cummins expressed confidence that the middle-order batter remains capable of delivering at the highest level despite a lean run of form stretching back more than two years.

"I was going to say the runs are on the board, um, not sure that's the right term, but he's been number one bat in the world, or close to. He's scored thousands of Test runs, so we know it's in him," Cummins said to reporters.

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Why Cummins backs Labuschagne to continue?

Cummins observed that Labuschagne has shown sharp form during training and match simulations ahead of the Mackay Test. The Australia captain, who has bowled against Labuschagne in preparation, noted the difficulty of dismissing a batter operating at peak performance.

"I know it's only training and centre wickets and match simulations, but I thought he's been as sharp as he has for a long time. That's me bowling at him and getting that feedback. Looks like he's really, you know, getting himself back into the ball, putting pressure back on the bowler, making it really difficult to kind of get out. As a bowler, it feels like the margins are really small when someone like Marnus or Steve is kind of at their best form, and you know, I've felt that the last couple of months," Cummins said.

Labuschagne has not scored a century since July 2023, a span of 22 Tests during which he has averaged just 25.23. The form slump has drawn scrutiny around his continued selection, but Cummins' backing suggests the selectors remain convinced of his ability to rediscover his best.

Australia's squad for the 2nd Test

Australia made one change to the batting lineup for the second Test, with Matthew Renshaw replacing Jake Weatherald, who contributed scores of 23 and 0 at Darwin. Scott Boland remains on the bench as a potential bowling option, with Cummins acknowledging the depth available to the side.

"The extra layer to that is having someone like Scotty Boland on the bench who is very classy; that’s why the conversation always comes up," Cummins said.

Australia XI for the second Test:

Travis Head, Matt Renshaw, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (WK), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon , Josh Hazlewood.