Post by : Rameen Ariff

Matt Renshaw is feeling confident after a strong start to the Australian summer cricket season, but he is not expecting an immediate recall to the Ashes team. Renshaw, a left-handed opening batsman from Queensland, recently scored an impressive 112 runs for Queensland in a Sheffield Shield day-night match at the Gabba in Brisbane. His performance came just before Australia’s second Test against England, which is also scheduled to be played at the Gabba under lights.

Renshaw has played 14 Test matches for Australia so far and has shown good form with recent scores of 128, 29, 101, and 51 runs, building a strong case for selection. However, he remains realistic about his chances, especially as Usman Khawaja, another experienced Australian opener, is still in contention despite some fitness concerns.

Khawaja, who is 29 years old and has a Test batting average above 40, has been struggling with back spasms during the Ashes opener in Perth. His injury forced changes in Australia’s batting order during that match. Marnus Labuschagne opened the batting in Khawaja’s place during the first innings, while Travis Head played a crucial role by scoring 123 runs in the second innings as a makeshift opener.

Renshaw praised Khawaja, calling him one of Australia’s best batsmen and expressing respect for his cricketing skills. Despite Khawaja’s recent struggles and criticism, including reports of playing golf before the Perth Test, Cricket Australia defended him. Some former players, however, suggested Khawaja should improve his preparation given his age.

Khawaja withdrew from a recent pro-am golf event due to fitness reasons, with Renshaw stepping in to replace him. If Khawaja is unable to play in the upcoming Test starting on December 4, selectors might still choose to keep Travis Head as an opener or bring in other players such as Jake Weatherald or all-rounder Beau Webster.

Australia’s coach, Andrew McDonald, said that Head could be used tactically as a second innings opener depending on match situations. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting also suggested it is unlikely that Khawaja will be dropped from the team but agreed that having Head regularly open the batting could be a good option.

Overall, while Matt Renshaw’s strong form is noted, his return to the national team depends heavily on Khawaja’s fitness and the selectors’ tactical decisions as Australia prepares for the next Ashes Test.

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