Upcoming Test openers Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris, and Matt Renshaw have been selected in a strong Australian team for a warm-up match against Pakistan. This match serves as an audition to fill the gap left by the retiring David Warner. The Prime Minister’s XI, featuring six players with Test experience, will play a four-day red-ball game against Pakistan in Canberra next month, marking the start of the Australian summer. The Test series against Pakistan will consist of three matches in Perth, Melbourne, and Sydney, starting from December 14. With David Warner retiring from the longer format, there is an opportunity for one of these aspiring openers to partner with Usman Khawaja in the Tests against the West Indies in mid-January. Additionally, all-rounder Cameron Green, aiming to reclaim his Test spot, is part of the Prime Minister’s XI lineup after facing challenges in all three formats in recent months.

“We’re pleased to reward some of our leading first-class performers over multiple seasons with an opportunity to face quality international opposition,” said chairman of selectors George Bailey.

“As we gear up for a demanding Test cricket schedule this summer, this match is a chance to strengthen the depth of our national red-ball squad.

Prime Minister’s XI: Nathan McSweeney (capt), Cameron Green, Nathan McAndrew, Jimmy Peirson, Cameron Bancroft, Mark Steketee,Marcus Harris, Michael Neser,Matthew Renshaw, Beau Webster,Todd Murphy.

In a remarkable performance, Matt Renshaw boosted his chances of a Test comeback by scoring a brilliant century in Queensland’s Sheffield Shield match against Victoria in South Mackay. Queensland responded impressively to Victoria’s 253, ending day two at 297 for 4, largely thanks to Renshaw’s heroic 135, which came from 262 balls and included seven boundaries and three sixes. His partnership with Bryce Street, which yielded 139 runs over 52 overs, and a valuable contribution from Joe Burns, put Queensland in a strong position.

Renshaw’s century is significant, given David Warner’s impending retirement from Test cricket after the third Test against Pakistan in January. This opens the door to a competitive contest for Warner’s spot, with contenders like last season’s leading Shield run-scorer, Cameron Bancroft, and Marcus Harris, both vying for the coveted position alongside Renshaw.

Renshaw’s Test Statistics:

In his 14 Test appearances, Renshaw has accumulated an average of 29.31. His most recent Test venture took place in India in February this year, during which he endured a lean run with scores of 0, 2, and 2. Eager to make amends for that underwhelming performance, the 27-year-old Renshaw is determined to seize the opportunity if he’s granted the chance to don the baggy green this summer.

Victoria’s Bowling Efforts:

Mitchell Perry emerged as the standout performer among Victoria’s bowlers on this pivotal day, securing three crucial wickets for just 46 runs. Nevertheless, the day truly belonged to Queensland. Renshaw’s formidable innings came to an end when he edged Perry’s delivery through to the wicketkeeper. The opening partnership was initially disrupted by Test offspinner Todd Murphy, who managed to extract extra turn and bounce, leading to the dismissal of Bryce Street.

Victoria’s Problems:

Victoria, having lost their opening Shield match of the season to Western Australia by an innings and 53 runs, found themselves in deep trouble against Queensland, slumping to a dire 41 for 4 on the opening day. Matt Short’s resilient century off 175 deliveries did provide some semblance of recovery, but it was Queensland, led by Renshaw’s remarkable performance, who took absolute control of the match.