Proud moment for the family of Matthew Renshaw

Rookie Queensland batsman Matthew Renshaw was a delighted man after having been named in Australia’s squad for the final Test. Australia lost their first two Tests of the 3-match Test series against South Africa. Having lost at Perth and Hobart, the new selection setup of Australia decided to take some stern measures. A wholesale set of changes was made in the squad for the day-night Test at Adelaide.

One of the beneficiaries of this move was Queensland opener Matthew Renshaw. Renshaw is set to make his debut in the day-night Test and will become the second youngest player to make Test debut for Australia. The 20-year old will be second youngest after late Phil Hughes. No wonder, his family was all impressed and happy at his selection.

His parents, Ian and Alison Renshaw, were watching him in action in Sheffield Shield match against South Australia. This was when they got the news of their son being picked in the national side. His girlfriend was present at the occasion too.

When asked about their reactions, mother Alison quoted, “A few tears. I wasn’t going to cry but I did.” His father was slightly calmer in his reaction. He believes that his son will continue to play the way he is playing. “He’ll just carry on doing exactly what he’s been doing all along and don’t change anything”, Renshaw Sr quoted.

Also read – Four uncapped players named in Australia ’s squad for Third Test

Matthew Renshaw was born in Yorkshire. His family moved to New Zealand when he was seven and then settled in Australia when he was eleven. He made his First-Class debut for Queensland last year and has played 12 FC matches thus far. He has 1021 runs to his name at an average close to 45.

Among the other beneficiaries of this massive change by the Cricket Australia were middle-order batsman Nic Maddinson and Peter Handscomb. Pacers Jackson Bird and Chadd Sayers have also been added to the 12-men squad.

Opener Joe Burns faced the axe and so did Adam Voges. Sadly for Calum Fergusson, he was dumped after having played just one game. The selectors emphasised on building a team for the future.