Renshaw to stay at number five as Aussies delay naming Test side
Matt Renshaw's shot selection and dominant batting in Durban helped win the Test and lock in his spot in the order. (Getty Images: Gallo Images/Gerhard Duraan)
In short:
Australian Test captain Pat Cummins expects Matt Renshaw to stay in the middle order for the second Test against South Africa.
Renshaw's 272-run total in the first Test means the batting line-up is set to remain, but the bowling attack may depend on how much rain is likely on the first two days.
What's next?
ABC Sport will live blog the second Test in Gqeberha, starting on Sunday evening, with the first ball at 7pm AEDT.
Matt Renshaw is set to remain at number five for the second Test against South Africa, as Australia waits on the opening day's weather to name the team.
Captain Pat Cummins confirmed on Saturday he expected Renshaw to again bat in the middle order after his match-winning heroics in Durban.
That all but ensures Nic Maddinson will stay in the side and open with Travis Head, after scores of 0 and 48 on his shock Test recall last week.
Renshaw's scores of 190 and 82 came after he'd originally been recalled as an opener in Australia's previous Test against Bangladesh, the position where he has batted for most his career.
"After what Renners did last week, I presume he'll stay at number five," Cummins said on the eve of the Gqeberha Test.
"What he deserved even more credit for is that we'd asked him to do a different role, and he just said straight away, 'Yep, no worries, whatever the team needs.'
"So many positives in addition to the runs he scored last week. He was a delight, and really helped me and [Nathan] Lyon get through those partnerships."
Cummins also confirmed Cameron Green remained sidelined with an abdominal strain, while Josh Inglis was close to being declared fit.
Josh Inglis is unlikely to return despite recovering from a fractured finger.
Even if Inglis is cleared to play following his fractured finger, it is unlikely he will be able to force his way into Australia's side.
Rain is expected across the opening two days in Gqeberha, with the prospect that both sides will be able to factor that into their XIs should the toss be delayed.
That could potentially reduce the need for spin and provide the option of a fourth quick in Scott Boland, with extra grass also left on the St George's Park wicket.
Depending on the weather in Gqeberha, Scott Boland could get one of his rare chances to break into the Australian side. (Getty Images: Darrian Traynor, file photo)
But Cummins gave every indication that Lyon would remain as a key part of the attack.
"We always look at all options," Cummins said when asked if it was conceivable that they could go in without a specialist spinner.
"We love playing with Nath. We saw last week, a couple of key wickets in the first innings.
"And even the control he gives. It makes the rest of us fast bowlers be able to function around him."
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