AUS vs WI: Renshaw Replaces Warner In Australian Test Squad, But Smith Wins Race For Opener Slot

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Matt Renshaw has replaced the recently retired opener David Warner as Australia named a 13-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies, kicking off on January 17.

The 27-year-old Renshaw has been brought in as cover as chief selector George Bailey confirmed that Steve Smith will take the opening slot vacated by Warner with all-rounder Cameron Green coming in at number four.

Renshaw was given a nod to be included in the Test squad ahead of the likes of Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft. Ahead of the first Test, Chair of Selectors Bailey confirmed Green would feature in the playing XI.

Bailey also confirmed that Renshaw (Brisbane Heat) and Scott Boland (Melbourne Stars) will play for their respective Big Bash League franchises before joining the squad for the first Test.

"Cameron Green will come into the playing XI for the Test in Adelaide in a squad also containing Scott Boland and Matthew Renshaw," Bailey said, as quoted from cricket.com.au

"We have selected a team we believe contains the best six batters in the country. Scott Boland and Matt Renshaw will join the squad prior to the first Test after playing for the Melbourne Stars (Jan 15) and Brisbane Heat (Jan 13) in the BBL," Bailey added.

Renshaw, who made his Test debut in 2016, last featured for Australia in the longest format over a year ago in India in the Delhi Test, where he came in as a concussion substitute for Warner. In 14 Tests, Renshaw has scored 645 runs, including a century and a best of 184.

Boland, on the other hand, last featured in the Ashes series, and although he was part of the squad for the recently conclude three-Tests against Pakistan, the 34-year-old did not make the playing 11.

Australia Test Squad vs West Indies 2024

Pat Cummins (captain), Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Travis Head (vice captain), Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Matt Renshaw.