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'I don't think I was in it at all': Renshaw's shock admission ahead of Australia's tour of Sri Lanka
Sam Kosack • January 7th, 2025 3:57 pm
Former Australian Test cricketer Matt Renshaw has made a stunning admission, conceding he didn’t feel he was ever in the race to replace David Warner as Australian Test opener.
Renshaw was discussed as a potential option to open the batting in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series along with Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris, Nathan McSweeney, and Sam Konstas; the latter two of whom would be given the opportunity throughout the series.
However, as squad selection for the tour of Sri Lanka nears, Renshaw admits he feels he’s down the order for Australian batting selection.
"I probably wouldn't say that I got caught up in the opener race. I don't think I was in it at all,” Renshaw told SEN Mornings.
“I’m probably further away than a few of the boys (to be selected) but most of my tests have been in Asia so I’ve got a fair bit of experience there if called upon.
“It’s been me trying to play my cricket the way I want to and I've really enjoyed it. (I’m) feeling really good about my cricket and how my batting is going and obviously there’s aspirations there but I'm really enjoying my cricket right now.”
As discussion emerges over the future of the Australian Test side, Renshaw believes that not any player can open, and it would be his preferred position, should he return to the side.
“Opening is a specialist position, it’s one of the toughest jobs in world sport,” Renshaw said.
“If Steve Smith goes up the top and doesn’t have the experience he would like, you can tell it's pretty difficult.
“I feel like I could bat anywhere if that opportunity came but I’ll keep opening for Queensland because it brings me the most satisfaction when you succeed.”
The first Test of Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka is scheduled for January 29.
