Queensland opener Matt Renshaw says he’s prepared for an Australian Test recall after making key changes to his approach to cricket while Renshaw has scored 491 first-class runs this season at an average of 81.83.
Queensland opener Matt Renshaw says he’s prepared for an Australian Test recall after making key changes to his approach to cricket.
Renshaw, the 26-year-old left-hander, played the last of his 11 Tests in 2018. His form this summer has been first—rate. Renshaw has scored 491 first-class runs this season at an average of 81.83.
An unbeaten 200 for Queensland against New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield and scores of 81 and 101 not out against the touring West Indies for the Prime Minister’s XI have been highlights.
Australia’s Test opener David Warner, 36, is nearing the end of his career and fellow opener Usman Khawaja, 35, is also in his twilight years. Renshaw just has to be patient, with Test tours of India and England on the horizon.
“I am ready,”
Renshaw told AAP when asked about the possibility of a Test recall.
“The last few years I have re-thought how I go about my cricket.
“The Aussie stuff is important but you can get caught up with your mindset and trying to play for that, rather than just playing for my team and doing well for Queensland.
“That is the big learning I have had, along with enjoying my cricket. If [a Test recall] comes then it comes. It will take care of itself.”
Renshaw scored 636 runs at an average of 33.47 in his 11 Tests with a top score of 184. He has adapted and fostered his game to have the option to consistently raise the stakes when required during an inning.
That was on show in his latest Sheffield Shield knock of 54 for Queensland against Western Australia where he dove in early during extreme conditions before opening up.
“I was talking to Joe [Burns] a bit about it…how at the start of my career when I came in I was quite slow,”
Renshaw said.
“Now I feel comfortable being able to flick through the gears when I need to, depending on what the situation dictates. There are a couple of technical changes that I have made, but the insatiable desire to achieve is the biggest thing.”
Queensland captain Khawaja, who also spent three years out of the Test team before his recall this year, recently said Renshaw would get his chance again at the top level.
“I spend a lot of time with Usman on and off the field and he is someone I look up to a lot,”
Renshaw said.
“There are some learnings from his career and the way he goes about things. We are similar characters in that way. We both love succeeding and we love batting.”