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 the 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. He had dragged Australia from 124 for 6 to 390 all out, with Pat Cummins contributing 43. Eduan Mulder took 4 for 68. South Africa finished day two on 27 for 1, with Aiden Markram unbeaten on 15, after Josh Hazlewood took 1 for 9.
A childhood link and an in-out career
Renshaw was born in Middlesbrough and was a childhood friend of England captain Joe Root, as their fathers played together in English club cricket. His parents left the UK for New Zealand and then Australia when he was seven.
The left-hander has had an in-out international career. He scored 184 in his fourth Test, against Pakistan in January 2017, after making his debut aged 20. He then 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,” Renshaw 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. It was pretty special.”
Former Australia batter Simon Katich backed him on SEN Radio. “I like him as a player,” Katich said. “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.”
Patience and partnerships
Renshaw showed impeccable patience and resilience. He hit only three boundaries on day one, attacking just 14.2% of deliveries while making his first 50 runs, the lowest figure of the Australia top order. He continued to leave well on day two, scoring mostly square or behind the wicket.
He extended his partnership with Cummins in the morning session to 86. He then controlled a stand of 134 with number 10 Nathan Lyon, frustrating and tiring the South African bowlers. Renshaw took the strike when needed, shielding Lyon from the pace of Anrich Nortje, but grew more aggressive as the partnership developed, adding boundaries and inflicting further pain.
He added 21 more with number 11 Hazlewood before falling in the first over after tea.
Does the knock solve the top-order dilemma?
Renshaw’s innings, along with opener Ryan Rickelton‘s three-ball duck in the 8.4 overs before bad light stopped South Africa’s reply, leaves Australia well placed to push for victory. The pitch flattened out on day two but is expected to take turn later in the Test.
This series is eagerly anticipated, as it repeats last year’s World Test Championship final, which South Africa won. It is also the third of a possible 21 Tests for Australia before the end of the next Ashes summer. Renshaw has surely secured his immediate future, but his knock does not answer every question about the make-up of the side.
When he was recalled in August, he replaced Jake Weatherald as opener. For this Test, he moved down to number five after Cameron Green was ruled out. Nic Maddinson opened alongside Travis Head, giving Australia an 11th different opening partnership since the retirement of David Warner. Maddinson made a 33-ball duck on day one.
With Green, the regular number five, expected to return, one solution would be to move Renshaw up again to reunite him with Head. Head moved to opener to impressive effect in the Ashes, flogging England for centuries in Perth, Adelaide and Sydney, but he has shown vulnerability since, failing to pass 22 in his four innings. Alternatively, Renshaw could stay in the middle order and Green could return for fellow all-rounder Beau Webster, meaning Australia’s search for a settled opening pair would continue.
“No idea,” Renshaw said of the decision ahead. “That’s well above my pay grade.
“Whatever is the best for the team is the one for me. I am not too fussed.”
