SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

Matt Renshaw set for memorable MCG debut

Australian opener Matt Renshaw says Pakistan's remarkable comeback in Brisbane shows nothing can be taken for granted in Test cricket.

2 min read

Published

Source: AAP


Skip to article content

The first and only time Matt Renshaw visited the MCG, Australia claimed a dominant victory in the Boxing Day Test.

It's not a bad omen for the 20-year-old as he prepares to make his second trip to the ground - this time as a player, rather than a spectator.

After a slow start on debut against South Africa last month, Renshaw made a sparkling 71 in the first Test against Pakistan in his hometown of Brisbane.

The important knock has all but assured Renshaw's place at the top of the order for the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan.

And the Queenslander admits his two-month journey from grade cricket to the Test arena is still sinking in.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

"I've never played at the MCG," Renshaw said.

"I've been there once. I went to an Ashes, Boxing Day Test a few years ago. It was a great atmosphere.

"I can imagine how different it would be, going there to bat and maybe face the first ball. It would be a great experience."

Renshaw won't be alone for the occasion.

His parents and girlfriend are planning to make the trip south, along with his cousins, who are normally his backyard cricket partners on the Gold Coast on Boxing Day.

Speaking in Brisbane, Renshaw played a straight bat and deflected the question as to whether struggling fellow batsman Nic Maddinson was likely to survive the axe, after selectors included allrounder Hilton Cartwright in the Australian squad.

Renshaw insisted Test fortunes of teams and players could turn on a dime, citing Pakistan's performance in Brisbane as an example.

"Anything can happen, really, in Test cricket," Renshaw said.

"You never really expected Pakistan to score that many runs in the last innings but it's Test cricket and it's a challenge.

"You can see how quickly you can lose a game. If you lose a session in Test cricket, it's pretty hard to get that momentum back."


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world