Renshaw passes big test
Test opener Matt Renshaw is set to be spared the Ashes axe after being put through a 45-minute examination against Australia’s all-star attack in Brisbane.
Renshaw’s spot at the top of the order for next week’s Gabba Test has come under scrutiny on the back of a poor start to the Sheffield Shield season.
The 21-year-old has scored just 70 runs for Queensland in six innings at 11.66 and fell for 16 and one in the match against NSW at Allan Border Field.
West Australia opener Cameron Bancroft bolted into contention for a spot in Australia’s batting order following his sizzling start to the summer.
He scored an unbeaten 228 for the Warriors in Perth, although he could only manage 17 in the second innings.
But Renshaw got the strongest indication yet he will be retained for the series opener when he was called into a training session with Australia’s four fast bowlers.
Coach Darren Lehmann observed the session and Renshaw, who also spoke with high-performance boss Pat Howard.
While the Bulls batted against NSW, Renshaw was in the adjacent training nets facing Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Jackson Bird, who have been attending a fast bowlers’ camp.
The stoic opener looked defensively strong against one of the world’s best pace bowling attacks during what was a thorough test.
His teammates were not so fortunate, losing to the Blues inside three days.
The visitors lost four wickets in chasing down the 128 needed for the outright win.
The national selectors met in Brisbane yesterday to pick their team for the first Test before announcing it tomorrow.