‎Cummins hints at changes to Australia XI for second test

Australia captain Pat Cummins has hinted at changes to the playing XI for the second and final Test against Bangladesh after suffering a historic nine-wicket defeat in the opening match in Darwin.

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‎Bangladesh dominated the first Test from the outset, securing victory before the fourth-day tea break to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

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‎Australia, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, were bowled out for just 198 in their opening innings. Bangladesh responded strongly with 426, securing a massive 228-run lead. The hosts again struggled in their second innings, allowing Bangladesh to chase down the target comfortably.

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‎Speaking at the post-match press conference, Cummins expressed disappointment with his team's performance while giving full credit to Bangladesh.

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‎“There was no lack of preparation from our side. But Bangladesh outplayed us in every department. They played extremely patient cricket. Once we fell behind, we could not get back into the match,” Cummins said.

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‎Following the heavy defeat, Cummins suggested that Australia could make changes to their XI for the second Test in Mackay. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has also called for a reshuffle and urged the team to give opportunities to younger players.

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‎“I think changes to the team are now inevitable,” Ponting told Channel Seven.

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‎Cummins said the team had already seen enough evidence before the series that rebuilding the squad could be necessary.

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‎“I’ve always said that, given the recent performances of some players, this is probably the right time to start rebuilding the team,” he said.

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‎The Australia captain added that he has traditionally been reluctant to make changes unless absolutely necessary, saying he has always wanted to keep the squad together as both a captain and a player.

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‎“However, even before this series, there was enough evidence that bringing in a new opener or someone new at No. 3 as part of the rebuilding process would not cause too much damage to the team,” Cummins added.

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‎Australia will now look to regroup in Mackay and level the series, while Bangladesh will aim to secure a historic series victory.