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.
Don Freo
Guest
Silly really. This has nade it all more interesting. Won't affect it in any way.
JohnB
Guest
As an avid Qld supporter who nevertheless wants the best Australian team picked, I had no issue with him being dropped. So I don't think the tinfoil is doing you any favours.
JohnB
Guest
Easter time in Brisbane and rain are far from unacquainted.
Bakkies
Guest
Confirmed as the first three as the only players involved.
Bakkies
Guest
The ARU lost three sponsors and board members in a week last year in the height of the Force fiasco. Not one of them was Qantas. They stayed firm after the Senate Inquiry which revealed dodgy deals, incompetence and financial mismanagement. We will see if the stick around after the ASIC investigation.
Bakkies
Guest
Nah climate change did.
Mike Dugg
Guest
He was most likely ball tampering during the ashes as well. Bancroft is 25 so not a young kid. One wonders if his successful ball tampering kept him in the team when he was making so few runs
Don Freo
Guest
I feel sorry for Smith. It could only be mental stress that led to this and that stress will now be exacerbated. I sincerely hope he has professional support. This could be big.
Dave.SA
Guest
I am hoping that Bancroft is allowed to play. He got misled by his mentors ... fined 3 points... fright of his life.. He isnt doing it again. None of my business but add on a game onto Smith and leave Bancroft... Did I mention I feel sorry for him...?
Aussieinexile
Roar Rookie
Can someone tell me who is missing out on the final test ? We know Smith, Warner Bancroft? Most certainly since he admitted to the offence. Handscomb ?? did he do anything? Who else is in this leadership group?
Brian
Guest
Except before the Ashes Bancroft scored a Shield ton and Renshaw got under 10. Leadership could hardly have conspired on that. The one that intrigues is Maxwell. Did he suggest all was not right
Don Freo
Guest
You can't have members of that leadership group in a team without cheaters.
Don Freo
Guest
This has all worked out well for Ussie. He gets another game now.
Don Freo
Guest
All we need is media outlets to drop all international cricket coverage in favour of State cricket. It would probably be more popular than AFL because all states are involved. The world would then be clamoring for an occasional Test cameo from us.
Don Freo
Guest
Banana benders doctored the weather.
Don Freo
Guest
Way better than Bakkies as far as names go.
Don Freo
Guest
It should be Turner. Get some sensible leadership in there.
Dave.SA
Guest
Makes sense I suppose although I feel sorry for Bancroft He got mislead by the captain and vice captain (and possibly others) He got his 3 points, a fine and the fright of his life... I suspect he will never tamper again.. In fact the match referees judgement was conciliatory... and I am ok with that
Don Freo
Guest
Christian is one of the leading sledgers and disputers of umpiring in the country. No thanks.
RogerTA
Roar Rookie
Oooh, you can't say that. Katich was hazeus himself until he got on the wrong side of Clarke. Eeeevery body knows that....