Matt Renshaw’s first Test ton since 2017 reflects a journey of learning to let go

Matt Renshaw’s return to the list of Test century-makers came after a nine-and-a-half-year wait, but his innings at Kingsmead was about more than ending a personal drought. It also reflected how his approach to the game has evolved since he first broke into the Australian side.

Renshaw brought up his second Test century against South Africa on Saturday, having last reached three figures against Pakistan in Sydney in January 2017. His unbeaten 102 at lunch on Day 2 helped Australia recover from a difficult position as the visitors reached 277/8 after 96 overs.

SA vs AUS 1st Test Day 2: Update | Scorecard

The century also ended a long wait for Australia as they scored their first Test hundred on South African soil since 2014 and their first at Kingsmead since 2009.

A DIFFERENT APPROACH

Renshaw’s return to three figures was a long time coming. Speaking earlier on the Unplayable Podcast, the left-hander reflected on the pressure he’s put on himself as he tries to cement his place in Australia’s Test side.

“I’ve had red-ball cricket on such a pedestal for a long time,” Renshaw said. “And trying to get into that Australian team, I was trying too hard. Whereas my white ball (game) was nice and relaxed. Just watch the ball, hit the ball.”

He is now looking to take that no-nonsense approach to the longest format, having recognized how his desire to succeed in Test cricket has affected his game. Matt Renshaw has come a long way since his earlier Test run in 2017. (Image: AFP)

Renshaw also recalled the difficulty of entering the international dressing room alongside players he admired growing up. The experience brought its own pressures, and he admits he struggled to handle them at first.

“I was thrown into this international environment with some of my heroes,” Renshaw said. “And I didn’t really know how to deal with it.

The batsman believes he is now better equipped to handle this internal pressure, allowing him to focus on the task at hand rather than the expectations surrounding him.

HOLDING STRENGTH

That composure was crucial as Australia tried to recover from a difficult opening day. After the visitors won the toss and elected to bat, they slumped to 84/4 before reaching 124/6, leaving Renshaw with a lot of work to do.

His opportunity came after Marnus Labuschagne was dismissed on the last ball of Friday’s first session. Renshaw had a lunch break to prepare before going out to bat, using the break to adjust to the light and get his body moving.

“I got my eyes used to the light to make my body move as I wanted,” said the 30-year-old.

Renshaw remained unbeaten on 46 when bad light brought an early end to Friday’s match, with Australia on 187/6 after 24.4 overs less than planned. Captain Pat Cummins was at his side for the 33rd over and the pair helped stabilize an innings that was in danger of falling apart. Matt Renshaw played a key role in Australia’s late resistance in Durban. (Image: AFP)

Cummins added 10 more runs on Saturday before being caught at slip off Wiaan Mulder. Their 86-run partnership for the seventh wicket provided Australia with some much-needed resistance, but the South African attack continued to strike.

Mulder finished the morning session with four wickets for 51 runs, while Marco Jansen and Anrich Nortje claimed two wickets each. Mitchell Starc also fell to Mulder for a six.

However, Renshaw continued to hold his end together. After completing his half-century off 117 balls, he brought up his century off 204 deliveries. He was unbeaten on 102 at lunch on Saturday, hitting 10 fours and Nathan Lyon at the other end.

READY FOR ANYTHING

Renshaw’s adaptability has become an important part of his game as Australia adapt their combinations to different conditions. He pointed to the movement within the batting order, including the promotion of Travis Head to opener, as an example of the flexibility required at international level.

“I prepare as much as I can for anything. With the one-dayers … it shows I can be very versatile,” Renshaw said, as quoted by the Australian Associated Press.

He acknowledged that waiting for an opportunity to bat can be particularly challenging, especially after spending time away from red-ball cricket. He also noted how the batter can lose rhythm when the morning session stretches into the afternoon. Matt Renshaw cements his case for the long-term for Australia. (Image: AFP)

For Renshaw, shifts at Kingsmead required patience as much as skill. After years of putting pressure on himself to succeed in Test cricket, he is looking to take the freedom of his white-ball game into the longer format.

His century ended a wait that stretched into 2017. With Australia still struggling to build a competitive first innings total, Renshaw’s task on Saturday is far from over.

– The end