'He can be a great opener': Pat Cummins hints at batting reshuffle despite Matthew Renshaw's 272-run haul

Matthew Renshaw made a strong case for himself in Australia’s first Test against South Africa in Durban, scoring 190 runs in the first innings and 82 in the second to help his side secure a convincing victory. However, Australia captain Pat Cummins has indicated that the team could still shuffle its batting order for the second Test, depending on the conditions.

Australia clinched a 214-run victory on Day 5 of the opening Test, with Josh Hazlewood producing a career-best performance of six wickets in the second innings. While Renshaw’s impressive returns have strengthened his claim for a middle-order spot, Cummins remains open to different combinations as Australia prepare for the next encounter in Gqeberha.

Cummins acknowledges Renshaw’s impressive performance

Cummins admitted that Renshaw’s outstanding performance would make it difficult for the team management to justify moving him down the order. However, he stressed that the team would assess the conditions before finalising its batting combination.

“Give us a few days, we’ll look at the conditions of the next Test. I mean, it’s got to be pretty compelling to move Renshaw from there,” Cummins said.

The Australian captain also highlighted the possibility of using Travis Head at No. 5, adding that the team was evaluating how its top six batters, along with wicketkeeper Alex Carey, could function most effectively.

“So, if anything, I still think he [Renshaw] can be a great opener, and now he’s got another string to his bow that he’s found this week,” Cummins added.

Cameron Green’s availability could influence Australia’s plans

Renshaw’s promotion to the middle order came after Cameron Green suffered an abdominal injury, forcing Australia to reconsider its batting combination. The left-hander capitalised on the opportunity, scoring 190 in the first innings and following it up with 82 in the second to help Australia recover from a precarious position of 124/6 on the opening day.

Australia’s decision to recall Nic Maddinson and deploy him as an opener, nearly a decade after his previous Test appearance, also reflected the team’s willingness to experiment with its batting order. Renshaw’s recent success in the middle order in one-day cricket had influenced the decision to give him a different role.

Australia keen to retain batting flexibility

Cummins explained that Australia were confident about Marnus Labuschagne batting at No. 3 and Steve Smith at No. 4, while the positions at Nos. 6 and 7 also appeared settled. However, Maddinson’s inclusion has provided the team with greater flexibility at the top of the order.

“We’re pretty certain that we like Marn [Labuschagne] at No. 3, Smithy at No. 4, and then, the six and seven felt pretty locked up. I think bringing in Maddo, we really like the idea of bringing that flexibility,” Cummins said.

He added that the additional options could allow Australia to use Head, Renshaw or Maddinson at No. 5, depending on the team’s requirements.

“We’re very big on that flexibility. I know you’re probably sick of us talking about it but, why not next week, have different openers if the conditions take us somewhere different, or swapping out the batting orders between innings,” Cummins said.