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Queensland opening batsman Matt Renshaw has been added to the Australian Test squad for the final Test against South Africa as the fallout from the ball-tampering scandal continues.
An investigation has been launched by Cricket Australia into the exact events occurring in Cape Town, but it’s clear there will be changes to the side for the fourth Test.
While the official findings of an investigation being conducted aren’t expected to be announced until tomorrow morning (AEDT), Renshaw will be on a plane at the conclusion of the Sheffield Shield final today in Brisbane to link up with the Test squad.
Australia’s opening combination for the last eight Test matches has been vice-captain David Warner and Western Australian Cameron Bancroft.
Given Bancroft was the offender and Warner almost certainly apart of the ‘leadership group’ embroiled in the controversy, there is little doubt Renshaw will find himself in the XI for the fourth Test with the tourists needing a new opening combination.
He was considered somewhat unlucky by many to be overlooked for both the Ashes and the original touring squad after a poor start to the summer for Queensland.
He has turned a corner in the second half of the Shield season though, piling up the runs, including a couple of centuries as he helped guide his team into the final and almost certainly to the premiership with the Bulls in control late on Day 5.
Interestingly, his opening partner Joe Burns has not yet been added to the squad, indicating there may be plans to push Shaun Marsh to the top of the order. That would open the door for Peter Handscomb, who is already with the squad in South Africa to make his return after being dropped before the third Test of the 2017-18 Ashes.
Australian reporter Peter Lalor indicated that Burns and one other player may be joining Renshaw soon, so watch this space.
BREAKING: Matthew Renshaw has been added to the squad and will fly to South Africa.
I’m expecting more news soon on Joe Burns and possibly one other player (not telling!).— Peter Lalor (@plalor) March 27, 2018