Australia drops Weatherald, recalls Renshaw after shock loss to Bangladesh in 1st cricket test

MACKAY, Australia (AP) — Australia's has dropped Jake Weatherald and recalled Matt Renshaw in a bid to stabilize the top order and try to level the two-match series after a shocking loss to Bangladesh in the first cricket test on the weekend.

Australia announced a 13-man squad on Tuesday, with only the one change for the second test in Mackay, in northern Queensland state, starting Saturday.

Weatherald was out for 23 in the first innings and didn't score in the second innings of Australia's nine-wicket defeat in Darwin, and averaged 20.36 in his 12 test innings. Marnus Labuschagne, who scored 1 and 31, was retained in the squad despite concern over his form.

The 30-year-old Renshaw is a contender to open the innings for Australia with Travis Head in his latest comeback to the test lineup.

Renshaw made his debut in 2016 and played 11 tests before being dropped in 2018. He was recalled in 2023 for three tests but has only played in the shorter formats for Australia since then. He averages 29.31 with one century in 14 tests, but has only played one of his last 10 tests on Australian soil.

Bangladesh's first ever test win in Australia put pressure on national cricket selectors for an overhaul, but the bulk of the aging squad was retained despite being outplayed in Darwin, where the likes of Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Tanzid Hasan made the most of the tropical conditions.

The victory was celebrated back home, too, with the squad receiving a congratulatory video call from Bangladesh Prime Minister.

Australia squad: Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster

See AP’s full cricket coverage here

Australian captain Pat Cummins, second left, leads his players from the field following their nine wicket loss to Bangladesh on day four of the first cricket test in Darwin, Australia, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026. (James Ross/AAP Image via AP)

Mehidy Hasan Miraz of Bangladesh takes a selfie with fans after defeating Australia on day four of the first cricket test in Darwin, Australia, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026. (James Ross/AAP Image via AP)

Marnus Labuschagne of Australia walks from the field after being dismissed by Taijul Islam of Bangladesh during play on day three of the first cricket test in Darwin, Australia, Saturday, Aug.15, 2026, (James Ross/AAPImage via AP)

Australia's Jake Weatherald reacts after he was dismissed during play on day three of the first cricket test against Bangladesh in Darwin, Australia, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, (James Ross/AAPImage via AP)

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Gabby Williams had 23 points and seven rebounds, Veronica Burton added 16 points and five assists, and the Golden State Valkyries clinched a playoff berth by beating the Dallas Wings 78-70 on Monday night for their sixth straight victory.

Golden State (25-9) has already surpassed its win total from last season by two and will get another chance on the postseason stage after becoming the first expansion franchise to reach the playoffs in its inaugural season of 2025. The Valkyries lost to the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx by one point in Game 2 of their first-round matchup.

Golden State center Kiah Stokes played 23 minutes in her return from the concussion protocol after she missed last Wednesday's home win against Chicago.

Another sellout crowd at Chase Center cheered the team to its 15th win in the last 17 games overall — among those fans Warriors star Stephen Curry, son Canon, and some teammates.

The Valkyries took off in the second quarter after another slow start, ending the first half on an 11-0 run on the way to a 44-28 lead at the break. Golden State began 3 for 13 while Dallas made seven of its first 10 shots to go ahead 15-8.

Valkyries reserve guard Tiffany Hayes hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from just inside half court to end the first quarter and put her team ahead 20-19. Hayes finished with 10 points and a pair of 3s as the Valkyries shot 12 for 36 from long range. Janelle Salaun also scored 10 points off the bench.

Paige Bueckers scored 21 points and brought the Wings back down the stretch. Arike Ogunbowale added 17 while Alanna Smith had 13 and five rebounds for the Wings, who lost for the fifth time in six games.

Wings: Host Indiana on Thursday night.

Valkyries: Host Minnesota on Wednesday night.

AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball

Dallas Wings guard Sug Sutton (0) controls the ball while being defended by Golden State Valkyries guard Kaitlyn Chen (2) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game in San Francisco, Monday, Aug. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Dallas Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale, left, drives to the basket against Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton during the second half of a WNBA basketball game in San Francisco, Monday, Aug. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) shoots against Golden State Valkyries forward Cecilia Zandalasini (24) during the second half of a WNBA basketball game in San Francisco, Monday, Aug. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton (22) brings the ball up the court against the Dallas Wings during the first half of a WNBA basketball game in San Francisco, Monday, Aug. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton, left, blocks a shot by Dallas Wings forward Jessica Shepard (32) and center Kiah Stokes (41) defends during the first half of a WNBA basketball game in San Francisco, Monday, Aug. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)