Matthew Thomas Renshaw, born on March 28, 1996, is an Australian cricketer known for his solid opening batting style in the longer format of the game. Despite his young age, Renshaw has exhibited remarkable composure and ability, earning him a place in the Australian Test squad.
Renshaw’s journey to international cricket began when he was called up to the Australian Test squad at the tender age of 20. In just his second Test match against Pakistan at the Gabba, he showcased his talent by scoring 71 runs. However, it was in his fourth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) that Renshaw truly made his mark. He batted throughout the entire first day, eventually reaching his maiden Test century with a score of 184 – the highest Test score by an Australian player of his age.
Before his Test call-up, Renshaw had already caught the attention of the selectors through his impressive performances in domestic cricket. In the 2015-16 season, he became the youngest player to score a Sheffield Shield century for Queensland, compiling a patient 170 runs in 395 balls. This breakout season saw Renshaw finish as Queensland’s leading Shield run scorer with 738 runs at an average of 43.41.
However, Renshaw’s initial success was followed by a period of stagnation. After showing promise with half-centuries in his first two Tests on the 2017 tour of India, he struggled to replicate that form, failing to score more than 50 runs in his next four Tests in India and Bangladesh. Consequently, he was dropped from the Test team ahead of the Ashes series in 2017-18.
Refusing to be disheartened, Renshaw responded strongly, finishing the Sheffield Shield season as the leading run scorer with 804 runs. This stellar performance earned him a recall to the Test team for the Johannesburg Test in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal. Additionally, he secured a Cricket Australia contract, laying the foundation for his resurgence.
While it seemed that Renshaw was poised to become Australia’s long-term opening batsman, his fortunes took a downturn. Despite scoring three centuries in six matches for Somerset in 2018, he failed to regain his place in the Test squad for the series in the UAE. Although he was recalled for the home series against Sri Lanka, he was overlooked for the opening spot and subsequently lost his Cricket Australia contract.
Renshaw persevered through these setbacks, adapting to batting in the middle order for Queensland before reclaiming his position as an opener. In 2023, he made his international comeback in the middle order during the Ashes tour of England. Though he faced challenges during the tour in India, his solid performances earned him a place in the squad for the 2023 Ashes series.
Born in Yorkshire, England, Renshaw moved to New Zealand with his family at the age of seven before eventually settling in Australia at the age of ten. He holds a British passport, which has allowed him to play cricket in England during his career.
Despite the ups and downs he has experienced, Matthew Renshaw’s talent and determination have him poised for a successful international career. With his calm and patient approach at the crease, he continues to work towards restoring his reputation as a reliable opening batsman for Australia.