Matt Renshaw might remain available for Brisbane Heat in the BBL Challenger on Monday and the final on Wednesday, should the Heat qualify, despite the second Test between Australia and West Indies beginning at the Gabba on Thursday. This decision comes amid Usman Khawaja’s head injury in the first Test, highlighting the risks of not having a concussion substitute.
Australia’s selectors released Renshaw during the Adelaide Test to play in the BBL Qualifier, leaving the team without a reserve batter at the venue. Khawaja’s injury raised concerns about the decision, but Australia only needed one run to win, so a substitute wasn’t necessary.
Khawaja passed his first concussion test and scans showed no jaw damage. However, he will undergo another concussion test on Saturday. Despite this, Australia’s head coach, Andrew McDonald, indicated that the selectors are unlikely to add another batter to the squad and may release Renshaw to play for the Heat again.
“We consider the risk when we release players, and I think it’s about a 0.5% chance in terms of a concussion happening,” McDonald said. “So it was ironic that the first time we’ve let a player go back during the Big Bash that there was a head knock.”
McDonald emphasized that the Heat’s final being on the east coast makes it time-friendly for Renshaw to potentially play. He also expressed confidence in the team’s flexibility to release players when needed.
Regarding Australia’s batting order, McDonald stated that it’s difficult to judge after just one game on a challenging pitch. He expressed comfort with the top six and optimism about their performance in the upcoming matches.
Australia’s batters were impressed by the quality of Shamar Joseph’s bowling during the Adelaide Test, but McDonald believes they will be better prepared for him in Brisbane after getting a good look at him.
“We feel as though now that there’s less unknowns going into the second Test match,” McDonald said. “We’ve had a good look at them. A lot of those little decision-making errors that may have crept in I think will have ironed themselves out.”
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