Got a bit lucky at the start, says Renshaw

Matt Renshaw, the Australian opener, admitted he was a bit lucky at the start of the innings to receive some boundary balls from the Indian pacers, who often sprayed the ball down the leg.

“I probably got a bit lucky in the first six overs, that they bowled a couple on the pads,” said Renshaw who scored six fours in the first six overs of the innings. “I tried to just bat the same every time but a couple of times you get a couple of bad balls than normal. I think I've tried. I had a lot of preparations coming in, just trying to work on a plan and sticking to it. It's been exciting coming over and scoring runs,” he said at the end of day’s play on Thursday.

Renshaw felt Australia could have added some more runs for the opening wicket after the start they got (50-run stand). “Yeah, we probably would have liked to have scored a few more runs in the top-order but I thought we all probably got a good start but just didn't get on with it and make a big score like Steve (Smith) did. I think he showed us how to go today. I think the boys played really well today. We weren't sure how the wicket would play coming in, but it's played pretty well and hopefully can keep playing well throughout the Test,” he remarked.

Renshaw was all praise for the way Smith batted despite coming into the match under great pressure following the Review-gate during the second Test. “Yeah, I think he's handled this whole situation really well and just showed that we're here for a cricket series and showed how to do it today. He didn't throw it away. He might have played a couple of bad shots but he didn't play like some of the others did, like I did. So, I think he just made the most of it and made a big score.”