Renshaw makes swift Sheffield Shield return after ODI series for final round of Ashes selection race before the series.
Renshaw makes swift Sheffield Shield return for final round of Ashes selection race.
In order to push for Ashes selection in the set of games that will decide Australia’s squad for the opening Test match against England, Matt Renshaw will make a quick return to Sheffield Shield play for Queensland.
Renshaw, who scored his first ODI half-century at the SCG on Saturday, flew home the day after the match and was scheduled to train with his state on Monday before taking on a New South Wales team that will feature Sam Konstas, who has one game left to secure his Test spot, and Steven Smith, who is stepping up his Ashes preparation.
After hitting a century against Tasmania to start his Shield season, Renshaw was called up for the ODIs and missed the second round. Even though he isn’t a front-runner, his versatility as a hitter could help him make his way into the Test team.
He will probably open with Usman Khawaja, who is playing his third Shield game of the year, against NSW. Queensland’s assault is weak because of injuries, and Michael Neser, who might play in the Ashes, is being rested for this round.
“I’m ready for Tuesday… I think it’s the same cricket ball, it’s just a different colour,” Renshaw said, downplaying the Ashes chat. “My batting, if I’m showing good intent, whatever format that may be, it’s obviously the different shots that you need to play in red ball.
“My feet are feeling really good against the quicks, spin is feeling good. So hopefully I can score some runs in the next Shield game and win a game for Queensland.”
After a strong start to the summer, Renshaw’s Queensland teammate Marnus Labuschagne, who will also play against NSW, is currently the favourite to open against England. However, a lot still hinges on Cameron Green’s bowling form and how it affects Beau Webster’s role.
After missing the India ODIs because of side pain, Green will play for Western Australia against South Australia at the WACA. Although Green’s fitness issues were quickly dismissed by the selectors, it is unclear how much he will bowl against South Africa given that he has only sent down four overs this season, twelve months after having back surgery.