Matt Renshaw seeks advice from Matthew Hayden ahead of India tour

Australia’s new Test opener Matt Renshaw has been in good run-scoring form and has made the opening slot his own following impressive performances in the Test series against Pakistan. He made his debut against South Africa in the 3rd and final Test of the series after the team management dropped as many as 6 members from the original squad. Renshaw who will be an important member of Australia on their tour of India said that he will be seeking advice from former opener Matthew Hayden before leaving for India. Matthew Hayden has been an exceptional performer in Indian conditions and his advice before the start of gruelling series will surely help Renshaw.

Renshaw has a similar stature as Hayden and has been inevitably compared to the great man. Hayden averaged more than 50 in Indian conditions where most of his other colleagues failed to deliver. Even the great Ricky Ponting had a horrendous run in India, especially in the longest format. Hayden during a chat with cricket.com.au last week confirmed that he hasn’t spoken to Renshaw who has been a revelation for Australia ever since making his debut against the Proteas.

One of the greatest Australian openers, Hayden praised Renshaw for employing the spin-heavy training sessions ahead of the 4 match series and said he is looking forward to meeting Australia’s new sensation. “I haven’t met Matty and I’m looking forward to the occasion when I do,” Hayden was quoted as saying by the cricket.com.au last week.

“I don’t know his game intimately enough (to tell him to sweep), but you’ve got to have attacking options (in India).I think you’re a duck waiting to be shot when you’re in a situation where you can’t attack.  “The conditions are relentless, they just keep coming at you and come at you a thousand miles an hour and you’re seemingly under pressure. So you’ve got to have that circuit-breaker.

Also read: Sri Lanka cricket to investigate on alleged match-fixing issue in domestic league

“If his game is to sweep and he’s decided that’s an option, I would fully endorse that. There’s a certain technique which I’m sure he would have got advice for,” Hayden further added.

Renshaw will be a part of the first group of Australian players who will fly to Dubai ahead of the Test series against India to get them used to the subcontinental conditions. He said that he is very excited about his maiden experience in India. “I got (Hayden’s) number off Andy Bichel, so I might give him a call to get a few quick pointers before I head off,” Renshaw was quoted as saying by Fairfax.

“I’m not as experienced in the sweep shot as him. (I’ll have) a fair bit more practice over the next couple of months. I think it helps that I’ve not been (to India before). It’s a challenge. I like to get up for challenges and to love the contest,” he concluded.

The four-match Test series commences from February 23 at Pune.

Also read: Ravi Ashwin lauds Nasser Hussain’s commentary skills