Matthew Renshaw is back in the spotlight after his recent call-up to Australia’s ODI squad against India, nearly nine years after his Test debut. The 29-year-old opener says Usman Khawaja’s Test renaissance has given him confidence that his own Test career isn’t over, regardless of who partners Khawaja in the upcoming Ashes series.
Renshaw revealed he has learned to block out external noise around national selection, even hiding cricket posts on Instagram to maintain focus. “I’m trying to worry about our own game and win for Queensland,” he explained, reflecting on his Sheffield Shield form, which began with a century this season.
The left-hander emphasized the influence of his close bond with Khawaja, his Queensland opening partner. “He thought his Test journey was over, and look at him now. It’s amazing,” Renshaw said at Adelaide Oval on the eve of Australia’s second ODI against India.
Selectors are expected to retain Khawaja at the top of the order for the Ashes opener in Perth, while Renshaw competes with other contenders like Marnus Labuschagne and Jake Weatherald for a spot. Despite this, he avoids obsessing over others’ performances, focusing solely on his game.
Fatherhood has also reshaped his perspective. Renshaw recently welcomed his second child, Edward, with wife Josie, alongside eldest Charlotte, who attended his ODI debut. “Knowing that cricket is not my sole reason, if I get everything else in order, the cricket will take care of itself,” he said.
Renshaw played his last Test during the 2023 India tour and has been a reserve batter since, including the 2023 Ashes and New Zealand tour. “I want to be there,” he said about a potential Ashes recall, adding that Australia’s depth ensures any opener selected will be ready for the challenge.
Returning to Adelaide Oval, where he made his Test debut in 2016, Renshaw is excited for his second ODI. “It’s always a great place to play… anything else is a massive bonus,” he concluded.
Australia faces India in the ODI series with Renshaw included in a squad featuring Travis Head, Mitchell Starc, and Marnus Labuschagne.
