Matt Renshaw Embraces Calm Approach Amid Ashes Hopes

Australian batter Matt Renshaw says he's letting go of the pressure of chasing a Test recall, embracing a more grounded outlook on cricket and life as speculation swirls around his potential return to the national team for the upcoming Ashes series.

The 29-year-old, who made a composed unbeaten 21 on ODI debut against India in Perth on October 19, is reportedly in contention to partner Usman Khawaja at the top of the order in the first Ashes Test. But Renshaw insists he’s not focused on selection talk.

“Obviously I want to be there, it would be remiss of me not to say that,” Renshaw told reporters in Adelaide on Wednesday. “But I try and stay away from it as much as possible.”

Renshaw admitted he was so surprised by his ODI call-up that he had to Google the match details. He also revealed he no longer keeps tabs on rival players or their performances, a stark contrast to his earlier years.

“There’s been times in my career where I’d come off after a Shield game and immediately check who scored runs in other matches,” he said. “Now, I honestly couldn’t tell you who did well in the first Shield round. It doesn’t impact how I play.”

Renshaw scored a century in Queensland’s opening Sheffield Shield game this season and remains firmly in the mix for the Ashes opener in Perth. Former captain and selector Greg Chappell recently endorsed him as the ideal option to open alongside Khawaja.

However, Renshaw says his mindset has shifted significantly since he made his Test debut in 2016 as a 20-year-old, playing 14 Tests to date, with the last in early 2023.

Now a father of two — a two-year-old daughter and a five-month-old son — Renshaw says family life has brought perspective that cricket alone couldn’t provide.

“You see someone else score runs and think, ‘I have to score runs to be picked, and that makes me a good person’ — that was the mindset,” he said. “Now, I go home, change nappies, calm babies, and that’s what matters. Cricket is important, but not everything.”

To stay focused, Renshaw says he deliberately avoids cricket news and social media coverage.

“I don’t have the Cricket Australia app, I hide cricket stuff on Instagram, and I just stay off it,” he said. “When you’re younger, you go home and scroll. Now I don’t have time — and I like it that way.”

He also draws inspiration from Queensland teammate Usman Khawaja, who made a remarkable Test return after being out of the side.

“I’m really close with Uzzy,” Renshaw said. “He thought his Test career was over, and look at him now. Once you let go of needing to play for Australia, the game comes to you. That’s what I’m learning.”

With runs under his belt and a balanced mindset, Renshaw might be making his case for a Test return more powerfully than ever — without even trying to.