Pakistan vs Australia: Matt Renshaw doubtful for the first Test

Australia, led by Tim Paine, are set to take on Pakistan in a two-match Test series in the United Arab Emirates from October 7 but their mission could receive a blow as opener Matt Renshaw remains a doubtful starter in the first Test after suffering a head injury in a tour game in Dubai. The Kangaroos are already coping with the unavailability of the dashing duo of Steve Smith and David Warner owing to a one-year ban and Renshaw’s injury could complicate things further for them.

The 22-year-old was hit by a pull shot from Pakistan A batsman Abid Ali while fielding at short leg during a warm-up game in Dubai and he didn’t take further part in the encounter since then. Renshaw did not bat in the drawn match and was replaced by Marnus Labuschagne in the batting line-up.

Though Renshaw was wearing a helmet when he was hit on the side of his head, the left-hander sat with his head in his hands before undergoing a medical treatment. He came off the ground for more check-ups. Opening batsman Aaron Finch later said that the England-born cricketer was in a light mood but the team management is likely to be cautious about making him play in the first Test in Dubai.

“He’s okay. It was a pretty heavy knock to the head there. He’s been with the medical staff all afternoon but he seems in really good spirits. He’s confident that his headaches are subsiding pretty quickly,” Finch told the media.

Renshaw has a history of receiving scary blows

Matt Renshaw, who has scored 636 runs in 11 Test matches and has one century since making debut against South Africa in November 2016, has a history of concussions. In March, he suffered a concussion in a warm-up game ahead of a Sheffield Shield match for Queensland and went off. He also had a scary moment last year during the home series against Pakistan when he was hit both during batting and fielding.

Australia, however, had a decent outing in the four-day game by taking 17 Pakistan ‘A’ wickets while declaring their own innings at 494 for 4. The visiting side’s spinners did well with Nathan Lyon picking up nine scalps and Jon Holland six. Mitchell Marsh slammed 162 while his brother Shaun hit 94. Travis Head remained not out on 90.
Australia were humiliated by 0-2 the last time they played Pakistan in the UAE in 2014-15, losing both Tests series by a huge margin.

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