Queensland batsman Matthew Renshaw has delivered a powerful response to his exclusion from the first Ashes Test squad, crafting a classy century against Western Australia at the WACA on Tuesday.
Redemption Innings at the WACA
The left-handed opener refused to let selection disappointment derail his strong form, compiling 101 runs with graceful ease to steer Queensland to a dominant position at 6-323 by stumps. This commanding performance came just days after the 29-year-old was overlooked for the upcoming Perth Test against England.
"It's one of those things, obviously there's disappointment straight away but then you realise that it's not the end of the world and you still get to come and play some cricket," Renshaw said after his innings, highlighting his matured perspective compared to earlier in his career.
Queensland's Dominant Day
Renshaw wasn't the only Queenslander making waves at the WACA. Test batsman Marnus Labuschagne continued his return to international ranks with another half-century, providing solid support in their partnership. The pair's stand proved crucial after Western Australia made early inroads.
The much-anticipated battle between Labuschagne and WA all-rounder Cam Green drew particular attention from spectators. Green, returning to bowling duties, had claimed the lone wicket in the first session by dismissing Angus Lovell for 11. However, it was Renshaw who ultimately stole the show, reaching his half-century to light applause before accelerating toward triple figures.
Renshaw displayed particular patience against Green's short-pitched bowling, using his height effectively to counter the WACA's famous bounce while selectively attacking loose deliveries.
Late Wickets Spice Up Contest
After tea, Renshaw moved confidently into the 90s before bringing up his century against spinner Corey Rocchiccioli, showing few nerves in the process. His dismissal came unexpectedly from a Cameron Gannon delivery down the leg side, with WA briefly swinging momentum back their way when Gannon bowled Jimmy Peirson next ball.
However, the home side couldn't maintain the pressure as Michael Neser and Lachlan Hearne combined for a 77-run partnership, only broken by a spectacular outfield catch from Cooper Connolly late in the day.
Despite his century, Renshaw expressed slight disappointment at not converting it into an even bigger score. "I would have liked to get a bigger one. 101 is a little bit disappointing for me," he remarked, demonstrating the hunger that keeps him in contention for Ashes selection should Australia's top order struggle in the early Tests.
This innings continues Renshaw's strong start to the season, having opened the Sheffield Shield campaign with a century against Tasmania and hitting a half-century in the recent third ODI against India.
