Renshaw to stay at number five as Aussies delay naming Test side
Quick Look
Australia captain Pat Cummins confirmed Matt Renshaw will bat at number five for the second Test against South Africa in Gqeberha, following his match-winning innings in Durban, while Cameron Green remains sidelined with an abdominal strain and Josh Inglis is unlikely to return despite recovering from a fractured finger, with rain expected to influence team selection.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Matt Renshaw was recalled to the Australian Test team as an opener for the match against Bangladesh but scored 190 and 82 batting at number five in the first Test against South Africa in Durban, earning praise for his adaptability.
Matt Renshaw is set to remain at number five for the second Test against South Africa, as Australia waits on the opening day's weather to name the team.
Captain Pat Cummins confirmed on Saturday he expected Renshaw to again bat in the middle order after his match-winning heroics in Durban.
That all but ensures Nic Maddinson will stay in the side and open with Travis Head, after scores of 0 and 48 on his shock Test recall last week.
Renshaw's scores of 190 and 82 came after he'd originally been recalled as an opener in Australia's previous Test against Bangladesh, the position where he has batted for most his career.
"After what Renners did last week, I presume he'll stay at number five," Cummins said on the eve of the Gqeberha Test.
"What he deserved even more credit for is that we'd asked him to do a different role, and he just said straight away, 'Yep, no worries, whatever the team needs.'
"So many positives in addition to the runs he scored last week. He was a delight, and really helped me and [Nathan] Lyon get through those partnerships."
Cummins also confirmed Cameron Green remained sidelined with an abdominal strain, while Josh Inglis was close to being declared fit.
Josh Inglis is unlikely to return despite recovering from a fractured finger.
Even if Inglis is cleared to play following his fractured finger, it is unlikely he will be able to force his way into Australia's side.
Rain is expected across the opening two days in Gqeberha, with the prospect that both sides will be able to factor that into their XIs should the toss be delayed.
That could potentially reduce the need for spin and provide the option of a fourth quick in Scott Boland, with extra grass also left on the St George's Park wicket.
But Cummins gave every indication that Lyon would remain as a key part of the attack.
"We always look at all options," Cummins said when asked if it was conceivable that they could go in without a specialist spinner.
"We love playing with Nath. We saw last week, a couple of key wickets in the first innings.
"And even the control he gives. It makes the rest of us fast bowlers be able to function around him."
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Matt Renshaw will bat at number five for Australia in the second Test against South Africa
Very likely · Within days
Nathan Lyon will remain in Australia's bowling attack despite potential weather-related changes
Likely · Within days
Josh Inglis will not play in the second Test despite recovering from a fractured finger
Likely · Within days
Open Questions
- Will the weather delay actually affect the toss and team selection as expected?
- How will the potential inclusion of a fourth fast bowler affect Australia's bowling balance?
- Is Josh Inglis completely ruled out for the match despite being close to fitness?