Matt Renshaw’s match-winning performances against South Africa have given Australia another dependable middle-order option but done little to resolve uncertainty over the opening combination ahead of Sunday’s second test in Gqeberha.
Renshaw scored a superb 190 in the first innings and followed it with 82 in the second, batting at number five in Australia’s commanding 214-run victory in Durban. The Queenslander’s move down the order appears to have paid dividends.
Captain Pat Cummins said there would need to be a compelling reason to move Renshaw again for the second test, while welcoming the flexibility he now offers the team.
“I still think he can be a great opener, and now he’s got another string to his bow that he’s found this week,” Cummins said.
Nearly a decade after scoring his maiden test century against Pakistan, the 30-year-old’s second hundred represented a reward for perseverance after repeated omissions since his debut in 2016.
His breakthrough, however, has not answered Australia’s lingering questions at the top of the order.
Travis Head, who enjoyed considerable success as an aggressive middle-order batter, has continued opening after impressing in the role as a stand-in during the Ashes. Doubts remain about whether the position best suits him.
Following a disappointing home series against Bangladesh, Head managed only 20 runs across the two innings in Durban alongside Nic Maddinson, the latest player to feature in Australia’s revolving door of opening selections.
“Travis Head’s done a very good job as an opener, but my gut feel is that he’s better off in the middle order,” former Australia captain Allan Border said.
Maddinson, 34, responded to a 33-ball duck in the first innings with an aggressive 48 off 38 balls in the second, when Australia had a substantial lead to protect.
The potential return of all-rounder Cameron Green from an abdominal strain could further complicate selection, although he would be limited to batting duties if cleared to play.
While Renshaw laid the foundation for Australia’s victory, the team’s experienced bowling attack delivered the decisive blows. Josh Hazlewood claimed a career-best 6-49 in the fourth innings to secure the win.
Like Mitchell Starc before him, Hazlewood has returned impressively from an injury-disrupted period, helping Australia maintain their position among the leading sides in test cricket despite the advancing age of key players.
Coach Andrew McDonald has acknowledged that changes will be inevitable as Australia navigate a demanding schedule of 20 tests through next year’s Ashes, potentially rising to 21 if they reach the World Test Championship final at The Oval in June.
Cummins, however, indicated that his bowlers were unlikely to volunteer for a break.
“One thing I’ve always loved about Joshy and Starcy is they’re just so happy getting into the grind. They’ll never shy away from having a bowl,” he said.
