Cricket news 2024: Why Matthew Renshaw thinks ‘trigger’ change could open door for Test bid

With ongoing speculation over who will open for Australia this summer, Matt Renshaw is hoping a technique change can get his foot back in the door, but he says he won’t be engaging in the media chatter.

Matt Renshaw has adjusted his technique as he seeks to retain his status as next cab off the rank in Australia’s Test batting stocks.

But having been back around the fringes of the side for almost two years, the Queenslander says he will make a concerted effort not to engage in media speculation around who will be in the squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.

After close to five years between international appearances, Renshaw played three Tests early last year and was selected for last year’s Ashes tour.

Along with Cameron Bancroft and Marcus Harris, Renshaw was billed as one the three leading contenders to replace David Warner as opener at the start of the year, only for selectors to instead promote Steve Smith to open alongside Usman Khawaja and allow Cameron Green a path back into the top six.

Do you think Matthew Renshaw should open the batting? Picture: Getty Images

Renshaw, 28, instead got the consolation prize as spare batter for the series against the West Indies and New Zealand, but after an underwhelming back end to the domestic season was left off the central contract list in an acknowledgment that the panel was unclear on who was the seventh best specialist red-ball batter in the country.

While Smith’s status as opener for the upcoming Test series against India remains up in the air, barring injury or illness the identity of the top six is locked in for the first Test, with only the order subject to change.

After a solid two-month stint with Somerset, Renshaw had an extended pre-season before returning to domestic cricket on Wednesday, making 51 from 36 balls for the Bulls who were forced to split the points after a rain-marred one-day cup clash with Tasmania at Junction Oval.

Having endured a stop-start international career since his Test debut in late 2016, Renshaw said he was focusing only on performing with Queensland.

“It’s an interesting time at the moment, with a lot of conversations, probably more from the media, I try and steer away from them,” Renshaw told this masthead.

Matthew Renshaw scored 50 against Tasmania in the first state one-day match for Queensland. Picture: Getty Images

“So I don’t read any of that stuff. My success when I’ve come into that top level has been when I’ve been performing for Queensland, and most of the time that’s been when I’m having fun for Queensland.

“So we’ve got a great squad, really enjoyable, great bunch of lads. So hopefully I can do my job for Queensland top of the order, and then who knows what could happen. It’s not something that’s trying to be on the front of my mind every day, because then I struggle with that thought, but it’s just what it is.

Matthew Renshaw has tweaked his technique. Picture: Getty Images

Matthew Renshaw says he won’t be paying attention to the media. Picture: Getty Images

“There’s going to be media all the time, especially at the first few games, when everyone’s available. Every day is going to be brand new article about who should be playing in the Test squad, and that’s your job, but I won’t be reading any of them.”

While he won’t be engaging in the chatter, Renshaw has however worked on his game.

“I just sort of had a little fiddle with my trigger, with trying to sort of line up better and just be more prepared. Just trying to be able to react quickly to the ball, and (it) felt really good (against Tasmania).”

Renshaw also praised new Queensland coach Johan Botha, even if the former South African skipper’s penchant for running - Botha is an ultramarthon enthusiast - had been taxing on his players.

“He’s been really good. Keeping everything nice and simple and just get backing all of us to trust our games. We’ve all played a lot of cricket now, so guiding those youngsters as well,” Renshaw said.

“It’s been a bit of running in this pre-season, which has been he’s been involved in most of it, which has been sort of strange to lose to your coach in a running race. But when he does what he does, it’s fine, but he’s been great, and the support staff have been great as well.”

Originally published as Cricket news 2024: Why Matthew Renshaw thinks ‘trigger’ change could open door for Test bid