Matt Renshaw admits he may not have posted his first ODI century had he opened the batting for Australia against Zimbabwe.
Batting at six, Renshaw starred for the tourists in Harare, making 109 off 94 deliveries, as Australia recorded a 59-run win in the first of three ODIs.
The ODI ton was his first for Australia across any format since his only Test century in 2017, when he opened the batting against Pakistan at the SCG.
He recently returned to the Test arena, following a three-year absence, and again opened the batting in Australia’s innings victory over Bangladesh in Mackay last month.
But he played down the batting order in his nine ODI matches prior to Harare.
Renshaw said avoiding the pressure of opening the batting helped him score his century.
“Higher up the order I [get] a bit giddy,” Renshaw said.
“For me, my tempo when I come in the middle overs is just trying to hit the gaps, hit where the fielders aren’t.
“With spin being a very big factor in that middle period … I see it as my strength, I really understood my role. It made it really simple for me.”
Renshaw was named in Australia’s Test squad for the upcoming series against South Africa.
Australia will face the Proteas in Durban (October 9-13), Gqeberha (October 18-22) and Cape Town (October 27-31).
The next ODI against Zimbabwe will be played Friday in Harare.
ABC/AAP
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