Matt Renshaw to call Matthew Hayden for tips ahead of Australia's tour to India
Brisbane: Ever since being handed his debut in the last game of the three-match Test series against South Africa, Matt Renshaw has been in the thick of things for the Australian cricket side in November last year.
While his 71 in the first Test against Pakistan gave validation to the selectors’ vote of confidence in him, the smashing 184 he scored in the third Test earlier this month sealed his seat on the flight to India for the four-Test tour.
However, playing in the Indian conditions is completely different from playing in India, where the spinners rule the roost.
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Hence, Renshaw plans to consult an Aussie legend, who has been one of the Baggy Green’s most successful batsmen in India – Matthew Hayden. The 45-year-old averaged 61 on Indian pitches, during his career.
Renshaw, who has drawn comparisons with Hayden, being a left-handed opener from Queensland as well, says that he could consult the Aussie great, ahead of the tour to 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," Ranshaw said to Fairfax.
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One of the key weapons in Hayden’s armoury (especially when he played in India) was the sweep shot. Although he does not have much practice in playing the sweep shot, Renshaw believes that he will get enough practice on the tour to India.
"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,” said Renshaw. "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."
Hayden, had himself expressed interest in Renshaw’s game. He said to cricket.com.au last week, "I haven't met Matty and I'm looking forward to the occasion when I do."
While Hayedn’s sweep shot on the dust bowls in India may have left a lasting impression on the Australian cricket enthusiasts, the former opener himself did not encourage Renshaw to take up that tactic blindly.
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"I don't know his game intimately enough (to tell him to sweep), but you've got to have attacking options (in India),” said Hayden.
Hayden further went on to support a style of batting that has also been backed-up by Australia star David Warner. He believes that attack is the best defence in relentless conditions like 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,” he said.
"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."
