Queensland opener Matthew Renshaw reminded Test selectors that he is no spent force with a vital century to frustrate Tasmania’s quest for a Sheffield Shield victory.
The 28-year-old had been the forgotten man in the debate over who should open for Australia in the India series before Nathan McSweeney ultimately got the nod but his unbeaten 120 for the Bulls has sent a message about his class.
Queensland finished day three on 7-274 and need 37 runs to avoid the follow-on with a day remaining.
A lack of Shield runs had been Renshaw’s problem in recent times but his approach on the third day at Allan Border Field was one of confidence as he led a Bulls fightback.
The former Test opener’s first boundary, a delightful whip through mid-on, came after he walked out of his crease to meet the ball with purpose.
He continued in that vein and brought up his 22nd first-class century with a punch through cover to the boundary.
Renshaw said he had taken steps to block out the hype around Australia’s opening slot.
“Deleting a lot of apps and not reading any news has been a big one,” he told AAP.
“It feels like every summer there is a circus about something and it is usually about the openers because Australian cricket wants another opener.
“I am really happy for Nathan. I think he is going to do a terrific job but for us openers I think (the decision) last week might have hurt a lot of us.
“We know how tough opening is and the satisfaction of batting for a long period of time is why we do the job, facing the toughest bowlers with a brand new ball at their freshest.”
Renshaw said he had ultimate belief he would add to his 14 Tests for Australia.
“Definitely. I feel like I am not too far away,” he said.
“Obviously timing is huge in cricket. I missed my time on this occasion but there will be another time in the future when I have to be ready.
“This is my 10th season now and it feels like I have been through it seven or eight times about this Test spot. I feel like I am getting better and I am happy with where my game is at.
Queensland opener Matt Renshaw. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)
“I felt really good the last few games but every time I have got to the spot where I wanted to I got out, so today once I got in I wanted to make sure I committed to the way I want to play.
“Having good intent really helped me today. I have been drilling into myself that I am a player able do the job in any conditions against any team.
“I had been trusting that something magic was around the corner and today was that magic.”
Renshaw had willing allies in Ben McDermott (35), the ever-reliable Jimmy Peirson (37) and 19-year-old seamer Tom Straker (30no).
Most of day two was washed out but Tasmania elected to continue from their overnight 5-394 in pursuit of quick runs and were bowled out for 461.
Allrounder Beau Webster (42 off 60 balls) upped the ante as wickets tumbled.
Bulls opening bowlers Mark Steketee (3-132) and Straker (4-87) did the damage and allowed the hosts to start their innings before lunch.
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