Matt Renshaw has been named captain of Australia A’s 50-over squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka A, giving him a golden opportunity to push for a place in Australia’s reshaped ODI team. Jason Sangha, meanwhile, will lead the four-day side as his reputation continues to grow in Australian cricket circles.
Australia A will host Sri Lanka A in three one-day matches starting Friday at Marrara Oval in Darwin, followed by two four-day games on July 13 and July 20.
While Nathan McSweeney has often captained Australia A and recently led South Australia to the Sheffield Shield title, selectors chose to give Renshaw and Sangha leadership roles this time. The move fits with the program’s focus on developing players by giving them experiences they might not get in domestic competitions. McSweeney will still play a guiding role within the squad.
At 29, Renshaw has long been known as a red-ball specialist, with 14 Test appearances since debuting at 20. But his domestic one-day record tells a different story. Batting mostly at No. 4, he averages over 45 with a strike rate approaching 98. Over his last 10 List A matches for Queensland, he has been even more aggressive, scoring two quick centuries and striking at over 112. These performances have put him firmly in contention as Australia rebuilds its ODI side in the wake of Steven Smith and Glenn Maxwell retiring.
Sangha’s appointment as red-ball captain comes after a remarkable Shield season with South Australia. He piled up 704 runs at an average over 78, including a match-winning hundred in the final against Queensland. While selectors are keen to find reliable Test batting options in his age bracket, Sangha’s record shows he is far more comfortable at No. 4, where he averages over 45, compared to the mid-30s when batting at No. 3.
The series also offers a platform for other players to make their case. McSweeney remains in the squad despite not captaining, while Kurtis Patterson and Jake Weatherald have been rewarded for strong Shield seasons and will be hoping to press their claims for Test selection.
Victorian prospects Campbell Kellaway, 22, and Oliver Peake, 18, will get their chance to step up to a higher level. This will also be the first series with former Test captain Tim Paine coaching Australia A.
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