Sheffield Shield 2020: Matthew Renshaw eager to make Shield comeback for Queensland

Matthew Renshaw eager to make Shield comeback: The axed Australian opening batsman is keen to play as much cricket as possible.

Australia and Queensland batsman Matthew Renshaw believes that he is a better cricketer now than what he was when he made his Test debut in 2016. In 11 Tests, the southpaw scored 636 runs at an average of 33.47 including one century and three-half-centuries before facing the axe.

“At times, I feel like I’m a way better cricketer than I was when I was in the Test team. Obviously there’s other things that go into that in terms of your headspace and other teams can work you out a bit better.

“But I feel like I’m a better player than I was three or four years ago, which can be a good thing, but it can be a bad thing as well,” Renshaw was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

Been out of the national squad for more than two years now, Renshaw also warmed the bench for Queensland when the presence of Joe Burns, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and Bryce Street made it difficult for an out-of-form Renshaw to press his case in the state side.

Matthew Renshaw eager to make Shield comeback

Much like any other 24-year old player, Renshaw is is keen to not just play as much cricket as possible but also bat anywhere the team requires him to. From tasting brief success at the highest level to not getting a place in the state side has perhaps come as a learning curve for Renshaw.

“If I bat at five, I bat at five. Obviously the coach has some important decisions to make about team make-up and if I do miss out, I’m just going to go back to club cricket and score runs and put pressure on them.

“If I put a bit of pressure on, I know I’ve got the ability to succeed. I always think that anyone who can open the batting can bat anywhere in the order. You’re dealing with the toughest scenarios,” Renshaw said.

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Be it playing for Queensland in The Marsh Cup or representing Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League, Renshaw has regularly played in the middle-order and aims to thrive on his experience in the first-class format as well.

“I’ve been batting in the middle order in one-day cricket and T20 cricket, so I’ve got a little more experience in the middle order than a couple of years ago. I feel confident going anywhere. I just want to be back in that Shield team and playing as much cricket as I can,” Renshaw added.