Matt Renshaw just dropped a career-best 190 runs in Durban, completely turning the tide and putting Australia in control of the first Test in their highly anticipated series against South Africa. This guy literally ground out a majestic 190 from 397 balls, emphatically pushing his case to be a long-term part of Australia’s future after a ton of talk about the team’s ageing top order on day one. Talk about a statement knock for someone who’s had an in-out international career!
From 124-6 to 390 All Out: Renshaw’s Epic Drought-Breaker
This wasn’t just any century, folks. This was Renshaw’s first Test century in over nine years, a whopping nine years and 280 days since his last one! He dug Australia out of a massive hole, going from a shaky 124-6 all the way to 390 all out. Former Australia batter Simon Katich nailed it on SEN Radio, saying, “I like him as a player. When he first came in, I liked him as a player, even though others thought he was too defensive. I think that is what this team has needed and been crying out for.” You can see why. Renshaw scored 184 in his fourth Test back in January 2017 but averaged just 19.41 across 10 Tests before getting recalled this year. This latest performance? It’s something else entirely.
His patience was unreal. On day one, he hit only three boundaries and attacked just 14.2% of deliveries for his first 50 runs, the lowest figure among Australia’s top order. A throwback innings for sure. He left the ball like a boss throughout day two, largely scoring square or behind the wicket. Renshaw expertly controlled an 86-run partnership with captain Pat Cummins in the morning session, then followed it up with a monster 134-run stand with number 10 Nathan Lyon. He was taking the strike when needed, protecting Lyon from Anrich Nortje’s pace, but then he started getting aggressive, adding boundaries and really inflicting pain as the partnership grew. He even added another 21 runs with number 11 Josh Hazlewood before finally falling in the first over after tea. What a shift, right?
What This Means For Australia’s Top Order Puzzle
Renshaw’s superb innings, combined with opener Ryan Rickelton’s three-ball duck for South Africa, has left Australia in a prime spot to chase victory. The pitch flattened out on day two, but everyone expects it to take turn later in the Test. This series is a big deal, a repeat of last year’s World Test Championship final, which the Proteas won. And for Australia, it’s only the third of a possible 21 Tests before the Ashes next summer, so these early performances matter!
While Renshaw’s knock has surely locked down his immediate future, it doesn’t solve every single question about Australia’s lineup. He was recalled in August to replace Jake Weatherald as opener but got moved down to number five for this Test because Cameron Green was ruled out. Nic Maddinson came in at the top, alongside Travis Head, making it Australia’s 11th different opening partnership since David Warner retired. With Green, the regular number five, expected back and Maddinson getting a 33-ball duck on day one, a smart move for those top-order struggles would be to push Renshaw back up to open. Imagine him reuniting with Head, who made that surprising, impressive move to opener in the Ashes. That’s a thought, isn’t it?
Australia is sitting pretty at 390, with South Africa on 27-1. Day three kicks off soon, and Australia is absolutely ready to push for that win. Can they seal the deal and really put South Africa on the back foot? You bet your bottom dollar they’ll be trying! This game is far from over, but Renshaw has given them a massive leg up.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by BBC Sport.
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