Matt Renshaw delivered an impressive century for the Prime Minister's XI during the warm-up game against Shan Masood's Pakistan at Manuka Oval in Canberra on December 8.
Despite not being included in the Australian Test squad for the upcoming opening Test against Pakistan on December 14 at Perth Stadium, Renshaw showcased his skills in the practice match. The designated openers for the home team in the upcoming Test are David Warner and Usman Khawaja.
Renshaw's excellent performance in the practice match makes a solid argument for him to be included in the squad for the Melbourne and Sydney Tests, especially if the team decides to make changes.
Warner is gearing up for his final Test series, and after the next three matches, Australia need to find a suitable opening partner for Khawaja. Renshaw, Marcus Harris, and Cameron Bancroft are among the contenders to replace Warner as the opener for the Australian Test team.
Bancroft started playing Test cricket in 2017 but has had a sporadic presence in the team. In 10 Tests, the left-handed batter has scored 446 runs at an average of 26.23, with a strike rate of 42.80. He has three half-centuries and a top score of 82 not out to his name.
Renshaw hasn't featured in a Test match since participating in the Lord's Test against England during the Ashes in August 2019. Before the Pakistan match, he accumulated 9,396 runs at an average of 38.98 with 25 centuries in 145 first-class matches.
After their disappointing performance in the recently concluded World Cup 2023, Pakistan are in Australia for a three-match Test series. The first Test is scheduled to take place in Perth, Western Australia, starting on December 14.
Pakistan have not secured a Test victory in Australia Since 1995, but under the leadership of Masood, the team has been working diligently in preparation for the upcoming series. Pakistan aim to overcome their history of never winning a Test series down under, having faced disappointment on 13 occasions in the past.
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