Matt Renshaw’s place in the Australian Test side still isn’t secure, coach Darren Lehmann says, despite his 184-run knock earlier this week at the SCG.
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As the nation turns one eye towards the upcoming tour of India, rumours continue to go around that Renshaw may miss out on a spot in the side despite his impressive form since debuting in Adelaide.
Shaun Marsh appears the likely replacement if Australia does opt to leave Renshaw in the change rooms, given his more proven form under the conditions in India.
Ironically, Lehmann used Marsh as an example of a player who has put together a big total for the side only to be dropped regardless.
“It’s hard to leave a bloke who made 180 out of the side, but we’ve done it before with Shaun Marsh,” Lehmann said.
That occasion came in 2015 when Marsh recorded his 182 against a lacklustre West Indies side in Hobart, but still had to make way for Usman Khawaja when he returned for the next Test.
“Renshaw made 184, played really well and showed he can up the ante when he needs to. So that’s going to be a really difficult call. He’s a good young kid and you’re trying to give him as much experience as you can,” said Lehmann.
“We’ll wait until we get the touring squad, see what it looks like and then make a plan from there. The only way you get better is by playing so that’s the challenge with weighing up the balance to the side with India.”
Glenn Maxwell is another name that has been spoken about a lot, not as a replacement for Renshaw but as a possible answer for Australia’s big question of who to play at No.6.
“He’ll certainly come under consideration for India,” Lehmann said of Maxwell.
“We know he plays spin bowling well and offers that extra dimension as a gun fielder.
“We want to see him make runs and he’s had a reasonable start to the BBL. That’s a challenge for him to keep that going and hopefully in the one day squad as well.”
Don Freo
Guest
Have a look. "I can't recall..." is not a reliable foundation for an argument. Ronan has outlined that form often enough. Do you make your comments without reading the articles?
peter wolf
Guest
Your kidding i can't recall the last time Marsh played a test game it would have been awhile ago due to injury or loss of form i'd imagine it would have been injury, hindsight is a good thing and if Renshaw doesn't get selected i am certain there will be a lot of backlash and i guess the same scenario with Marsh too, as the conditions are easier to play spin at home i have no doubt and we all know the conditions over in India will be very different as most of their pitches are definitely dust bowls and to suit the Indian bowlers and why not. If Marsh is selected to replace Renshaw and if it doesn't work?
Don Freo
Guest
Interested in your take on Marsh. What is it about his recent Test innings that isn't "enough"? What is it about Lehmann's leadership of the Aussies in the ODI wins and the 3-0 Test result against Pakistan that you don't appreciate?
Harvey
Guest
Lehmann should be dropped Marsh barely does enough to retain his place as it is. Marsh is 33, Renshaw is 20, who is the future of the team. It was the selection of the old fogies that helped Australia lose 5 tests in a row. You seriously can't deny Renshaw experience in India, he is the way forward.
Ants32
Roar Rookie
Good to know, Felix. And just seems logical, to me. :)
Mitcher
Guest
Oh damn, Johnno is a spoof poster isn't he? Walked into that one...
Mitcher
Guest
Have a look at Martyn'a overall test average. Home Test average. And away Test average. If the minute difference between the final two of those figures doesn't tell you something, well, maybe you're a Big Bash kinda guy.
Don Freo
Guest
By a mile. Hodge was better than Law.
qwetzen
Guest
Nor I. Martyn was class *and* runs. Iirc, Hodge got found out with a weakness on his off-drive. After his 200 not he averaged 21 over his next 4 innings before being punted. And it's poor form, picking on poor old Marto, the sole scapegoat who'd been banished for 5 years for that disastrous loss at the SCG v RSA despite top-scoring with 59 in the 1st innings.
Johnno
Guest
Oh and is Martyo better than Stuart Law to at longer format.
Felix
Guest
You will both be happy to know that at the high performance academy at AB Field in Bowen Hills they curate a pitch that is a dustbowl to prepare players heading to the sub-continent. The heat and humidity of Brisbane is as close, shy of Darwin, they can get to replicating the wickets. It's not identical of course but it's similar. In winter they also prepare a green top and get Duke balls in before away Ashes series.
Felix
Guest
It pains me to say it, but I'm starting to agree with you. He was a breath of fresh air when he came on the scene, a throwback to 'call it as I see it' press conferences. These days he's coming across like an idiot.
Mick_Lions
Roar Pro
I loved Renshaw's innings with Warner. The public demand for him to score quickly is completely irrelevant. The team that lost 5 on the trot completely lacked role players so we desperately needed a rock like Renshaw and a shock absorber like Hanscomb to balance the dominators in Warner and Smith. I think it is in Australia's best interests to solidify a partnership for the future rather than the horses for courses approach that will probably fail. If Boof likes SMarsh so much then stick him in at 6. It's not like Smith bowled Cartwright anyway. I agree with James Jacksons idea of dusting up a Gabba net and getting Renshaw and Khawaja to face 100 overs of spin each. Lyon an O'Keefe could use the experience too.
The Bush
Roar Guru
Yes. He even has a better FC average to support that position.
James Jackson
Guest
Have you been watching Shaun Marsh play recently? He's not in form at all, which is not to say don't take him but please don't act like he will suddenly be purring along just because we need him to be.
Ben
Roar Guru
Thank you! I've been thinking all Australian cricket fans had completely lost the plot since they started suggesting Shaun Marsh be handed a test gig again! He should've NEVER played test cricket in the first place!
Pope Paul VII
Guest
What is the purpose of this coach/selector position? All he seems to do is undermine.
Johnno
Guest
So when push comes to shove your saying Martyo is a better 1st class batter than Brad Hodge and the selectors got it right?
Ram C. Khanal
Roar Rookie
I feel the same way all the time.
Brasstacks
Guest
The more Lehmann opens his mouth, the lower the respect I have for him.