Matt Renshaw’s match-winning heroics against South Africa have given Australia another strong middle-order option but done little to resolve the uncertainty over their opening combination ahead of the second test in Gqeberha.
With Renshaw producing a majestic 190 and second-innings 82 batting at number five in the commanding 214-run victory in Durban, the Queenslander’s shift down the order looks to have been a masterstroke.
Captain Pat Cummins said it would take a compelling argument to shift Renshaw again for Sunday’s second Test, though he was enthusiastic about the options available.
“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.
Coming nearly 10 years after his first Test century against Pakistan, 30-year-old Renshaw’s second ton was a reward for perseverance for a player dropped repeatedly since his 2016 debut.
His breakthrough has not settled the lingering questions over the team’s opening batters, however.
Travis Head, who had great success as a middle-order blaster, has continued at the top of the order after a brilliant Ashes as a stand-in opener, but doubts remain over his suitability for the role.
After a lean home series against Bangladesh, Head managed a total of 20 runs in Durban operating with Nic Maddinson, the latest to emerge through Australia’s revolving door of selections.
Australia set South Africa daunting 421 to win first Test
“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,” said former Australia captain Allan Border.
Supported by a handy lead, 34-year-old Maddinson smashed 48 from 38 balls in his second innings after an ugly, 33-ball duck under greater pressure in the first innings.
The possible return of Cameron Green from an abdominal strain could further complicate Australia’s selection decisions, though the all-rounder would be restricted to batting duties if cleared to play.
While it was the rejuvenated Renshaw setting the platform for victory, it was Australia’s time-worn attack delivering the knockout blow, led by Josh Hazlewood’s career-best 6-49 in the fourth innings.
Like Mitchell Starc before him, Hazlewood has made a hugely impressive comeback from a difficult period of injuries, helping to keep an ageing team at the top of test cricket.
Coach Andrew McDonald has said changes are inevitable as the team progresses through a gruelling schedule of 20 tests through next year’s Ashes, or 21 if they reach the World Test Championship final at The Oval in June.
Cummins suggested none of his bowlers would be putting their hands up for a rest.
“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.