Matt Renshaw voices displeasure after being snubbed for the vacant Australia test opener’s spot in the BGT.
Matt Renshaw reminded Test selectors that he is no spent force with a century to frustrate Tasmania’s quest for victory.
Before Nathan McSweeney was finally selected as Australia’s opener in the India series, the 28-year-old was the forgotten man, but his undefeated 120 for Queensland has sent a message about his class.
With one day left, Queensland needs to score 37 runs to escape the follow-on after finishing day three at 274 for 7.
Renshaw had recently struggled with a lack of Shield runs, but on the third day at Allan Border Field, he spearheaded a Queensland comeback with a confident demeanour.
He deliberately went out of his crease to meet the ball, and then he hit his first boundary, a lovely whip across mid-on. He carried on in that manner, punching past cover to the boundary to reach his 22nd first-class century.
Renshaw claimed that he had taken action to ignore the excitement around Australia’s opening position.
“Deleting a lot of apps and not reading any news has been a big one,” he told AAP. “It feels like every summer there is a circus about something and it is usually about the openers because Australian cricket wants another opener.
“I am really happy for Nathan. I think he is going to do a terrific job but for us openers I think [the decision] last week might have hurt a lot of us.
“We know how tough opening is and the satisfaction of batting for a long period of time is why we do the job, facing the toughest bowlers with a brand new ball at their freshest.”
Renshaw said he had ultimate belief he would add to his 14 Tests for Australia.
“Definitely. I feel like I am not too far away,” he said. “Obviously timing is huge in cricket. I missed my time on this occasion but there will be another time in the future when I have to be ready.
“This is my 10th season now and it feels like I have been through it seven or eight times about this Test spot. I feel like I am getting better and I am happy with where my game is at.”