Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Matt Renshaw’s superb century in the middle order against South Africa has left Australia with another selection headache.
Does the Queenslander’s 190 in Durban suggest he is best placed at No.5, and if so, who is best to open alongside Travis Head?
Australia’s selectors were heavily criticised for the decision to bring Nic Maddinson back into the side after almost 10 years on Friday, and have him open the batting.
Maddinson’s 33-ball duck left several questions over the left-hander’s position, but what it did do is allow Renshaw to bat No.5 after he impressed there in the ODIs.
Australia had liked the way Renshaw played spin in the middle order in those matches, and were keen for that to continue that into the Test.
That part at least paid off over the first two days, with Renshaw busy against the spinners straight away and leading Australia from 3-84 and 6-124 to 390.
Come the next Test in Gqeberha, there is every chance Australia could have Josh Inglis back from a fractured finger with the wicketkeeper-batter already landed in South Africa.
Cameron Green is also still a chance to come back in this three-Test series, after an abdominal strain ruled him out of Durban.
The most likely scenario seems to be that Inglis or Green return in the middle order, and Renshaw goes back to open with Head.
“I’m not too fussed … Whatever is best for the team is the one for me,” Renshaw said on Saturday.
“Obviously we’ve got that strength against spin in that middle order coming in.
“It’s a pretty cool opportunity to be playing in the Australian men’s team anyway. If it’s opening, batting five, batting six, batting four, I’m not too fussed.”
This Durban Test has shown one thing: The 30-year-old could be most valuable for Australia batting at No.5 on the turning wickets of India this summer.
And for that to happen, Australia must still find another man to partner Travis Head.
Since David Warner retired in January 2024, Australia have used nine openers, with Renshaw himself only coming in for the last Test before this tour in August.
Opening in Test cricket is not easy at the moment.
Since Warner’s retirement, the No.5 spot has averaged 48.52 for Australia across 38 innings, in what data shows is clearly the best spot to bat.
Openers have averaged 29.0, well below No.4, No.5 and No.6.
Sam Konstas and Nathan McSweeney have both been trialled young, as Renshaw was a decade ago. They too may earn another chance.
Jake Weatherald will want a big Sheffield Shield season after being axed in August.
Sam Harper, who was called up to the South Africa Test squad, averaged 55.11 opening for Victoria last summer.
Another player could still put their hand up.
And as for what Renshaw will do next Test, let alone in the next few months?
“No idea. That’s well above my pay grade,” he said.
