Matt Renshaw, the Australia opener, has been snapped up by Somerset as replacement for his international teammate Cameron Bancroft.
Bancroft was banned following his role in the ball-tampering incident in Australia’s Test series against South Africa last month. After Bancroft, along with Steve Smith and David Warner, were sent back home by Cricket Australia (CA) for attempting to alter the conditions of the ball in Cape Town, Renshaw was called up as a replacement at the top of the order in the final Test in Johannesburg.
Renshaw is in line to turn out for Somerset’s County Championship opener against Worcestershire next week, and he’ll remain with the team till June 30. He will then return on August 19 for the clash against Essex in Taunton, and stay on till the end of the season.
Andy Hurry, the Somerset director of cricket, said he was “delighted” at securing a capable replacement for Bancroft as quickly as they did. “It has been important for us to act swiftly, but to remain pragmatic in identifying the best fit for our needs and I am delighted that we have signed Matt,” said Hurry.
“He is a player who is highly driven to succeed and has demonstrated the ability to bat for long periods of time, but he also has the ability to move through the gears. He is a player of quality, is on an upward trajectory and we feel that he will certainly flourish in our environment.”
