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Australia’s No. 3 batsman Marnus Labuschagne has come under heavy scrutiny following his low scores against Bangladesh in the home team’s historic defeat in Darwin on Sunday.

Australia began their 20-Test sojourn with an unexpected and shocking loss to the Asian side that is playing its first Test series down under since 2003.

Najmul Hossain Shanto’s team held a grip on the AUS vs BAN 1st Test soon after the match kicked off, bundling Australia out for only 198, with Hasan Mahmud claiming a six-wicket haul.

In reply, Bangladesh buried Australia under a mountain of runs, finishing with 426 runs on the back of a century from Tanzid Hasan Tamim, and half-centuries from Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shanto.

Australia overcame the deficit of 228 runs through Camron Green’s century but managed a slender lead of 56 runs, handing the visitors a small target of 57 runs, which Bangladesh chased down comfortably.

This is Bangladesh’s only second Test match win over Australia and first away from the comforts of home.

Ricky Ponting suggests axing of Marnus Labuschagne and Jake Weatherald

The spotlight is now firmly on the potential changes that Pat Cummins could ring in for the 2nd Test in Mackay. Labuschagne’s and opener Jake Weatherald’s positions seem under threat right now.

Weatherald, who made his debut in the Ashes last year, averages only 20 in six Tests, while Labuschagne averages 22 in his last 10 Test matches.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has suggested the dropping of Labuschagne and Weatherald amid their poor returns with the bat.

Among the batting options that Australia have are Josh Inglis, Matt Renshaw, Kurtis Patterson, Sam Konstas, and Nathan McSweeney.

AUS vs BAN: When is the Australia vs Bangladesh 2nd Test?

The second Test match between Australia and Bangladesh is scheduled to be played from August 22 in Mackay.

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