‘Can be a great opener’: Pat Cummins hints at batting reshuffle despite Matthew Renshaw’s 272
Australia’s Matt Renshaw and captain Pat Cummins (Image: ANI) Matthew Renshaw proved himself in Australia’s first Test against South Africa in Durban, scoring 190 runs in the first innings and 82 in the second to help his side secure a convincing victory. However, Australia captain Pat Cummins indicated that the team may still shuffle the batting order for the second Test depending on the conditions.Australia sealed a 140-run victory on Day 5 of the opening Test with Josh Hazlewood taking a career-best six-wicket haul in the second innings. While Renshaw’s impressive returns have strengthened his claim for a middle-order spot, Cummins remains open to various combinations as Australia prepare for the next clash in Gqeberha.
Cummins acknowledges Renshaw’s impressive performance
Cummins admitted that Renshaw’s outstanding performance would make it difficult for the team management to justify moving him down the pecking order. However, he emphasized that the team will assess the conditions before finalizing their batting combination.“Give us a couple of days, we’ll look at the conditions for the next Test. I mean, moving Renshaw from there has to be pretty convincing,” Cummins said.The Australian skipper also highlighted the possibility of using Travis Head at No.5, adding that the team was assessing how its top six batsmen, along with wicketkeeper Alex Carey, could perform most effectively.“So, if anything, I still think he (Renshaw) can be a great opener and now he’s got another string on his bow that he’s found this week,” Cummins added.
Cameron Green’s availability could affect Australia’s plans
Renshaw’s promotion to the middle order came after Cameron Green suffered an abdominal injury, forcing Australia to rethink their batting combination. The left-hander seized the opportunity to score 190 in the first innings and followed it up with 82 in the second to help Australia recover from a precarious position of 124/6 on the opening day.Australia’s decision to recall Nic Maddinson and field him as a starter, almost a decade after his previous Test appearance, also reflected the team’s willingness to experiment with the batting order. Renshaw’s recent success in the middle order in one-day cricket influenced the decision to give him a different role.
Australia want to keep batting flexibility
Cummins explained that Australia were confident of Marnus Labuschagne batting at No.3 and Steve Smith at No.4, while the No.6 and No.7 positions also appeared settled. However, Maddinson’s inclusion has given the team more flexibility at the top of the order.“We’re pretty sure we like Marn (Labuschagne) at No.3, Smithy at No.4, and then the six and seven felt pretty locked in. I think when we brought Madd in, we really like the idea of bringing that flexibility,” Cummins said.He added that the additional options could allow Australia to use Head, Renshaw or Maddinson at No.5, depending on the team’s requirements.“We’re very confident in that flexibility. I know you’re probably sick of us talking about it, but why not next week, not have different openers if the conditions take us somewhere else, or swap batting orders between innings,” Cummins said.