FROM BULLS WIN TO LION’S DEN FOR RENSHAW
QUEENSLAND opener Matt Renshaw says he will take on South Africa with “no fear” after Steve Smith’s ball-tampering ban saw him recalled to the Test squad.
Renshaw hopped on a plane bound for Johannesburg last night just hours after hitting the winning runs in Queensland’s Sheffield Shield final triumph against Tasmania.
On a dramatic day at Allan Border Field, Renshaw’s recall to the Test arena was announced as he was plundering an unbeaten 81 (83 balls).
He will land in South Africa today celebrating his 22nd birthday and have just one day to prepare before replacing Smith for the fourth Test starting Friday.
The fact opener Renshaw has been thrown into the squad proves top-order duo David Warner and Cameron Bancroft, who tampered with the ball, could also be rubbed out of the final Test.
Renshaw’s Bulls teammate Joe Burns is also still in the mix for a recall, pending the punishments expected to be delivered by Cricket Australia bosses today.
Renshaw, axed before the 2017-18 Ashes series after 10 Tests, said he would approach his second chance in the international arena without fear.
“It’s going to be tough (but) I’ll go over there with no fear and enjoy the challenge that’s coming,” he said. “I need to enjoy getting back and that joy of playing for my country. I need to enjoy the challenge of playing Test cricket.
“It’s not every day that you get to play for your country. I’m really looking forward to getting back in the Test arena, expressing myself and seeing where I’m at in terms of my new-found form.
“Hopefully that works. I’m not putting too much pressure on myself.”