Last Updated on 10 minutes ago by Charbel Coorey
Matt Renshaw’s outstanding performance in the first Test against South Africa has given Australia another headache. Batting at five, Renshaw made scores of 190 and 82, setting up the match after Australia were under pressure.
However, the top order still doesn’t inspire much confidence, running the risk of Renshaw walking out in another precarious scenario at Gqeberha and beyond. Travis Head is averaging 16.2 in three Tests since the Ashes and isn’t looking as comfortable as he often does at number five. Nic Maddinson fared much better in the second innings compared to the first, but his head falling over to the offside makes him susceptible to the inswinging delivery. Marnus Labuschagne made a further two starts in Durban, but he isn’t able to carry on in recent times with five 30+ scores in four Tests this calendar year.
Will Australia move Matt Renshaw to opener? Cummins, McDonald not set on batting order yet
So is Renshaw the answer at the top? Pat Cummins says it would be a big call to move the left-hander away from the position he performed so well in, but believes the 30-year-old is capable of producing as opener too.
“I mean, it’s got to be pretty compelling to move him from there,” Cummins said, as quoted by foxsports.com.au. “But we’ve seen Travis Head down at number five as well do a job. We’re always working about the six batters, or seven plus ‘Kez’ (Alex Carey) and how that is going to function as a whole.
“I still think he [Renshaw] can be a great opener, and now he’s got another string for his bow that he’s found this week.”
Coach Andrew McDonald says Australia are flexible. He has the view that Australia can shift their batting order depending on the conditions and personnel available.
“We view Nic Maddinson the same way that we do Matthew Renshaw – that they could bat one, two, three, four, five, potentially even six,” said McDonald.
“I suppose the external view on that is that you need specific orders at certain times, and this person’s an opener, this person’s a middle-order player – I think we’re more open-minded than that. But it doesn’t make it right, either.”
However, Steve Waugh has guarded against further changes. The former captain says it’s now time to stick with Renshaw at five after a superb performance.
“Don’t mess around with that now. He’s been successful, and he’s comfortable, so I’d keep him [Renshaw] there for sure,” Waugh said, as quoted by Sydney Morning Herald.
The second Test begins at St George’s Park, Gqeberha on Sunday.
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