Matt Renshaw noted that having Mitchell Marsh at the top of the batting order and a fully fit Marcus Stoinis would have improved Australia’s chances. However, he believed the team should have managed to chase 170 runs against Zimbabwe in Colombo. Renshaw was the highest scorer with 65 runs off 44 balls as wickets were lost around him.
Australia found themselves at 29 for 4 by the fifth over before a 77-run partnership between Renshaw and Glenn Maxwell, who added 31 runs off 32 balls, helped stabilize the innings. Despite this effort, Australia lost the match and is currently in third place on the points table with two points.
“We probably should have chased that down. I don’t think it’s the bowlers’ fault today. [Zimbabwe] bowled well early, took some early wickets, and every time we gained momentum, they managed to break through. That partnership with Maxi was key. But we lacked enough momentum to chase that down. It was too many,” Renshaw said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Renshaw had to bat higher in the order after Stoinis injured his left hand while fielding, and Marsh, who was supposed to open, was out due to a testicular injury.
“I think our batting group is quite flexible with various options. Our experience in Big Bash Cricket allows us to adapt to different roles during the game. Losing Mitch is a big blow, and it’s uncertain when he’ll return. He is crucial at the top of the order, and someone else has to fill that role. In terms of flexibility, I believe we can handle different conditions. Unfortunately, we lost wickets at the wrong times today,” Renshaw added.
Australia has not yet announced a replacement for Josh Hazlewood, who was ruled out of the tournament last week. The team management may be evaluating options before making a decision. While Australia risks elimination from the group stage, Renshaw stressed that the team’s challenges are not due to a lack of bowling talent.
“I think the bowlers we have are good enough. We’ve seen them perform well in world cricket multiple times. Sometimes they just don’t get the wickets, and the ball lands in the gaps,” Renshaw mentioned.
