Former Australian opener David Warner has joined a growing chorus of players and pundits calling for Matthew Renshaw to earn a Test recall, endorsing an all-Queensland top three for the Ashes.
The 29-year-old, who made the most recent of his 14 Test appearances in 2023, has emerged as a leading candidate to partner veteran opener Usman Khawaja at the top of the order this summer courtesy of his century during Queensland’s season opener against Tasmania and recent white-ball form.
Although he only averaged 29.17 in the Sheffield Shield last summer, Renshaw’s experience and new-found outlook on the game has made him a strong contender for next month’s Ashes opener in Perth.
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Warner recently implored national selectors to persist with incumbent Test opener Sam Konstas despite his underwhelming Frank Worrell Trophy campaign against the West Indies in the Caribbean.
However, the 20-year-old has struggled during the early stages of this season’s Sheffield Shield, posting scores of 4, 14, 0, 53 and 10 for the Blues.
“I’ve probably changed (my predicted Ashes XI) four times,” Warner laughed on Fox Cricket on Wednesday evening.
“It’s changed from two weeks ago.
“I’d like to throw Matthew Renshaw’s name up there.”
He continued: “I know Sammy Konstas hasn’t had a time of it at the moment.
“I was (previously) thinking maybe stick with him.”
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Last week, former Australian batter Mark Waugh flagged Renshaw’s susceptibility to fast bowlers, warning the left-hander might be vulnerable against the likes of Jofra Archer and Mark Wood. However, Warner argued his former opening partner had resolved some of the technical problems that plagued him early in his career.
“I think he’s worked that out,” Warner continued.
“He’s come back a better player.”
Indian legend Ravi Shastri continued: “He’ll be more mature in handling pressure, there’s no question about that.
“His one-day cricket performances will help him in the Test arena.”
Warner also reiterated the in-form Marnus Labuschagne, who has struck four hundreds in five games for the Bulls this summer, is better suited at No. 3 rather than opener.
“We always said you’ve got to pick your best batter, and he’s in form at the moment,” Warner said of Labuschagne.
“I think he’s better at No. 3.”
Warner suggested that all-rounder Beau Webster, who has enjoyed a superb start to his Test career, could slip out of the Australian XI if Cameron Green was available as a bowler for the blockbuster series.
The first Ashes Test between Australia and England gets underway at Perth Stadium on November 21.
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