New Delhi, Jan 7 (NationPress) After successfully winning the five-Test series against India with a score of 3-1 and earning a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final, Australia's upcoming focus shifts to an away series in Sri Lanka for two Tests later this month.
Following the retirement of opener David Warner, Australia has faced challenges in finding a suitable partner for Usman Khawaja. Recently, Sam Konstas emerged as a contender after participating in the last two Tests against India and achieving a half-century on his international debut.
Prior to the series against India, players like Matt Renshaw, Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris, Nathan McSweeney, and Konstas were considered as potential opening options. However, only McSweeney and Konstas had the opportunity to play during the series.
Matthew Renshaw stated that he was not in the running for the Australia Test opener position. As the selection process for the Sri Lanka tour approaches, he hopes to be considered due to his prior red-ball experience in the sub-continent.
"I probably wouldn’t say that I got caught up in the opener race. I don’t think I was in it at all," Renshaw told SEN Mornings.
"I’m probably further away than a few of the boys (to be selected), but most of my Tests have been in Asia, so I’ve got a fair bit of experience there if called upon.
"It’s been me trying to play my cricket the way I want to, and I’ve really enjoyed it. (I’m) feeling really good about my cricket and how my batting is going, and obviously there’s aspirations there, but I’m really enjoying my cricket right now."
As discussions arise regarding the future of the Australian Test team, Renshaw emphasizes that not every player is suited to open, and that it is his preferred role should he make a comeback to the side.
"Opening is a specialist position; it’s one of the toughest jobs in world sport. If Steve Smith goes up the top and doesn’t have the experience he would like, it can be quite challenging. I feel like I could bat anywhere if that opportunity came, but I’ll continue opening for Queensland because it brings me the most satisfaction when I succeed," he explained.
The first Test match between Australia and Sri Lanka is scheduled to take place in Galle from January 29.
