Matt Renshaw scored an epic first Test century in more than nine years to put Australia in control of the first Test against South Africa in Durban. After much talk about issues among their ageing top order on day one, Renshaw ground out a majestic career-best 190 from 397 balls, emphatically pushing his case to be part of Australia's future.
The 30-year-old was born in Middlesbrough and was a childhood friend of England captain Joe Root, whose father played club cricket alongside Renshaw's. His family left the UK for New Zealand and later Australia when he was seven. Having dragged Australia from 124-6 to 390 all out, it was a statement knock from a player with an in-out international career. Former Australia batter Simon Katich said on SEN Radio: "I like him as a player. When he first came in, others thought he was too defensive. I think that is what this team has needed and been crying out for."
Renshaw scored 184 in his fourth Test against Pakistan in January 2017, but averaged 19.41 across 10 Tests over two spells before being recalled earlier this year. "A few years out of the team, I had the opportunity in 2023, you think [you're] never going to get the opportunity again," he said. "When I hit the ball to go to his hundred I was screaming at it, 'go, go, go'. It hit me all at once."
Renshaw's innings, which included a 134-run stand with number 10 Nathan Lyon, has left Australia well placed to push for victory on a pitch expected to take turn later in the Test. The series repeats last year's World Test Championship final, which South Africa won, and is a key part of Australia's preparation before the Ashes next summer. While Renshaw has surely secured his immediate future, questions remain over the make-up of the side.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing