Queensland opener Matt Renshaw kept the heat on for a Test recall with another Sheffield Shield century in the day-night clash with Victoria at the Gabba
Matthew Renshaw’s golden summer continued with a magnificent 112 in front of Australia selector Tony Dodemaide at the Gabba.
His innings drove the Bulls to 7-352 at stumps on day two of the top-of-the-table Sheffield Shield clash after Victoria had declared late on the opening day on 9-318.
Renshaw had made scores of 128, 29, 101 and 51 in the Shield before Sunday’s knock.
He also had a consistent ODI series against India which included an accomplished 56 in Sydney.
Runs are runs and Renshaw has filled his cup with them.
The 29-year-old doesn’t have to do anything more to convince Australia selectors that he is ready for a return to the Test arena.
All he needs is an opportunity.
“I’m just keeping it really simple and having a lot of fun out there and having good intent,” Renshaw told AAP.
“It’s been a good start and hopefully it amounts to something at the end of March. I will keep trying to put in performances to help win games for Queensland.
“I’m just concentrating on what I can control and that is trying to do my job for the team.”
There is doubt over who will open in the second Test of the Ashes series at the Gabba, which starts on Thursday-week.
Usman Khawaja’s back spasms in the first Test have put him in some doubt while Travis Head’s blistering century as opener has also put him in the frame to stay at the top of the order alongside Perth debutant Jake Weatherald.
Renshaw now has 421 Shield runs for the summer, putting him on top of the aggregate list with 19 runs more than Test man Marnus Labuschagne.
He was patient early in his innings against Victoria before finding a more aggressive tempo.
His drives down the ground were exquisite. Once Renshaw reached his half-century the runs started to flow all around the ground.
He brought up his century with a controlled cut for three off spinner Todd Murphy. A healthy contingent at the Vulture St end of the ground gave him a rapturous reception, realising what a vital innings it was in the context of the summer.
His stay ended when he nicked a delivery that just moved away from Fergus O’Neill, who toiled manfully all day with his tight lines.
Renshaw received solid support from Angus Lovell (40) in an 88-run opening stand and Hugh Weibgen (38).
Former Australia under-19 captain Weibgen, playing his second Shield match, looks a promising prospect with his classy strokeplay and composure.
The tall 21-year-old will play for the Prime Minister’s XI against an England XI in a two-day, pink-ball match that starts on November 29 in Canberra.
He was caught in a juggling effort by Mitchell Perry trying to loft Murphy over the long on boundary.
Lachie Hearne (47) continued the momentum until he was brilliantly caught on the deep midwicket boundary by Campbell Kellaway.
Sheffield Shield 2025-26 standings
Team
Matches played
M
Wins
W
Losses
L
Drawn
D
No results
N/R
Deductions
Ded.
Batting Bonus
Bat
Bowling Bonus
Bowl
Total points
PTS
1
VIC
4
4
0
0
0
0
4.14
3.6
31.74
2
QLD
4
1
1
2
0
0
6.68
2.9
17.58
3
WA
4
1
2
1
0
0
1.61
3.7
12.31
4
NSW
4
1
2
1
0
0
1.55
3.7
12.25
5
SA
4
1
2
1
0
0
1.3
3.6
11.9
6
TAS
4
1
2
1
0
2
1.72
3.2
9.92
Legend
M: Matches played
W: Wins
L: Losses
D: Drawn
N/R: No results
Ded.: Deductions
Bat: Batting Bonus
Bowl: Bowling Bonus
PTS: Total points
