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Renshaw’s slow going okay with Haddin

The amount of times Matt Renshaw played and missed on Test debut raised eyebrows.

Dec 15, 2016, updated Dec 15, 2016
Matt Renshaw evading a bouncer on day 1 of the Adelaide Test. Photo: Dave Hunt / AAP

Matt Renshaw evading a bouncer on day 1 of the Adelaide Test. Photo: Dave Hunt / AAP

But it was the amount the rookie opener placed on his wicket that made former Australian vice-captain Brad Haddin sit up and take notice.

Renshaw, 20, copped some stick for his “go-slow” approach on Test debut against South Africa in Adelaide last month.

He made 10 off 59 balls in his first knock.

Then he really dug his heels in.

Renshaw struck a three-hour 34 not out off 137 balls to carry his bat in Australia’s third Test win over the Proteas in Adelaide.

In his second innings dig alone, Renshaw played and missed 17 times.

Haddin was known for his aggressive approach with the bat in the baggy green.

But the former ‘keeper admitted he was a Renshaw fan ahead of the youngster’s next assignment – this week’s first Test against Pakistan in Brisbane.

“What impressed me the most was the price he put on his wicket,” Haddin told AAP.

“He’s a 20-year-old kid in his first Test which brings a lot of pressure.

“But he did a really good job with a pink ball in foreign conditions.

“He played and missed a lot but what most impressed me was that he was there at the end and saw Australia home.

“He batted with great character.”

Australian captain Steve Smith said England-born Renshaw had come out of his shell since linking with the team in his hometown Brisbane.

Not that Smith wanted Renshaw to change his patient approach at the crease.

“He was pretty quiet in the first week but he’s coming out of his shell in the last couple of days,” Smith said.

“(But) I was impressed with the way he played (on Test debut).

“He wasn’t overawed by getting beaten, he just kept laughing every time he got beaten.

“He wasn’t overawed by the occasion and hopefully we can see some more of the same this week.”

The first Test against Pakistan starts today.

– AAP

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