Matt Renshaw stated that having Mitchell Marsh at the top of the order and a fully fit Marcus Stoinis would have improved Australia’s prospects. However, he believed the team should have been able to chase 170 against Zimbabwe in Colombo. Renshaw top-scored with 65 off 44 balls as wickets dropped around him.
Australia was 29 for four in the fifth over before a 77-run partnership between Renshaw and Glenn Maxwell (30 from 32 deliveries) steadied the innings. But Australia lost and is now third in the points table with two.
“We probably should have chased that down. I don’t think it’s the bowling group that should get the blame today. [Zimbabwe] bowled really well at the start, took some early wickets, and felt like every time we built some momentum, they got a breakthrough. That partnership with Maxi was important. But we couldn’t get enough momentum in there to chase that down. It was too many,” said Renshaw as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Renshaw was forced to bat higher than normal after Stoinis hurt his left hand while fielding a delivery from his own bowling. Marsh, who was scheduled to open the innings, was also hampered due to a testicular issue.
“I think our batting group is so fluid with different options. With our experience in Big Bash cricket, we’re very suited to going in different spots throughout the middle. Having Mitch out is a big loss and not sure when he’ll be back. He’s a big player to open the batting, and when he’s not there, someone else has to open. So we have those differences in where people are going to be. But in terms of fluidity, I think we’re all pretty able to manipulate and manoeuvre around different conditions. Unfortunately, we just lost wickets at the wrong time today,” said Renshaw.
Australia are yet to announce a replacement for Josh Hazlewood, who was ruled out of the tournament last week ahead of their first warm-up game. The team management might be waiting to have a look at options before naming their next replacement. But with Australia now facing the prospect of a group-stage exit, Renshaw said it was not for want of bowling options that they find themselves struggling.
“I think the bowlers in the group that are here are good enough. You’ve seen them perform so many times in world cricket. Sometimes they just don’t get the wickets, and the ball lands in the gap,” Renshaw said.
