Renshaw's heroics do little to solve Australia's opening puzzle

Oct 14 : Matt Renshaw's match-winning heroics against South Africa have given Australia another strong middle-order option but done little to resolve the uncertainty over their opening combination ahead of the second test in Gqeberha.

With Renshaw producing a majestic 190 and second-innings 82 batting at number five in the commanding 214-run victory in Durban, the Queenslander's shift down the order looks to have been a masterstroke.

Captain Pat Cummins said it would take a compelling argument to shift Renshaw again for Sunday's second test, though he was enthusiastic about the options available.

"I still think he can be a great opener, and now he's got another string to his bow that he's found this week," Cummins said.

Coming nearly 10 years after his first test century against Pakistan, 30-year-old Renshaw's second ton was a reward for perseverance for a player dropped repeatedly since his 2016 debut.

His breakthrough has not settled the lingering questions over the team's opening batters, however.

Travis Head, who had great success as a middle-order blaster, has continued at the top of the order after a brilliant Ashes as a stand-in opener, but doubts remain over his suitability for the role.

After a lean home series against Bangladesh, Head managed a total of 20 runs in Durban operating with Nic Maddinson, the latest to emerge through Australia's revolving door of selections.

"Travis Head's done a very good job as an opener, but my gut feel is that he's better off in the middle order," said former Australia captain Allan Border. 

Supported by a handy lead, 34-year-old Maddinson smashed 48 from 38 balls in his second innings after an ugly, 33-ball duck under greater pressure in the first innings.

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