Matt Renshaw relishes R.Ashwin Challenge in India

Australian batter Matt Renshaw believes he is ready to stand tall against Ravichandran Ashwin if an opportunity comes his way to feature in the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar Test series. The southpaw is not a first choice starter but could likely find himself in the middle order if Australia look to bolster their batting in the event of all rounder Cameron Green not regaining complete fitness.  

Renshaw made a comeback to Australia’s test XI in the New Year’s Test against the Proteas in Sydney, a return that was blighted by a positive COVID report on the opening day of the match. He represented Australia in each of the four Tests on their previous visit to India, scoring half centuries in Pune and Bengaluru as well as a well compiled 44 in Ranchi but failed to make a substantial contribution, which eventually cost him his spot from the team a year later. 

Renshaw is acquainted with the challenges of facing a spin maestor like Ashwin, who in 2021 became the first bowler to pick 200 wickets against left handed batsmen. “Ashwin is difficult to face. He is a smart bowler with a lot of variations and he uses them very well, but you do get used to him once you've faced him for a while," Renshaw said

"I think the big challenge from Ashwin and any offspinner in spinning conditions to a left-hander is the lbw threat. Obviously everyone thinks about the one that turns and gets you caught at slip, but the big one is the lbw when it doesn't spin. You just have to be ready for that one."

"I think two years batting at No. 5 helped me with facing spin. I know my game a lot better now and I am a lot more comfortable in different situations. We have a strong squad and it is going to be hard to push my way in, but I know that I will be ready if I do get a chance."

Renshaw, who is presently competing in the Australian T20 League, disclosed that he was preparing for the Indian challenge by spending time in the nets, getting after the Heat spinners. “The SG ball is a bit different, so we are just trying to prepare as well as we can during this Aus T20 League schedule if we get a window to hit red balls," Renshaw said. "It is a lot different, the conditions in India, so we are trying to replicate them as much as we can.

"The plan was if [the Heat] got knocked out we'd do some prep with the [Australian] team in Sydney, but we just kept winning and are in the finals now. We have got a good week and a bit in India before the first Test, so there will be plenty of time to prepare there as well."