Cricket

Queensland opener Matt Renshaw has reignited his Test aspirations with a defiant century against Tasmania in the Sheffield Shield. The 28-year-old, who had been overlooked for the upcoming India series, struck an unbeaten 120 to lead Queensland's fightback on day three at Allan Border Field.Renshaw's innings was a timely reminder of his class, having struggled for runs in recent Shield matches. However, he displayed confidence and determination from the outset, hitting his first boundary with a purposeful whip through mid-on. He continued in that vein, bringing up his 22nd first-class century with a punch through cover.Renshaw's century came after he had taken steps to block out the hype surrounding Australia's opening slot. "Deleting a lot of apps and not reading any news has been a big one," he said. "It feels like every summer there is a circus about something and it is usually about the openers because Australian cricket wants another opener."Despite missing out on Test selection, Renshaw remains confident in his ability to add to his 14 caps for Australia. "Definitely. I feel like I am not too far away," he said. "Obviously timing is huge in cricket. I missed my time on this occasion but there will be another time in the future when I have to be ready."Renshaw received support from Ben McDermott, Jimmy Peirson, and 19-year-old seamer Tom Straker. McDermott scored 44, Peirson contributed 36, and Straker took 4-87 in Tasmania's first innings.Tasmania had resumed on 394 for 5 on day three, but were bowled out for 461. Allrounder Beau Webster upped the ante as wickets tumbled, scoring a quickfire 32.Queensland finished the day on 274 for 7, needing 37 runs to avoid the follow-on with a day remaining.

Queensland's pursuit of Western Australia's imposing first-innings total of 465 began with a setback as Test aspirant Matt Renshaw fell cheaply for 6. However, captain Marnus Labuschagne steadied the ship with a composed half-century, guiding Queensland to 185 for 3 at the end of day two.Labuschagne, watched by his father in the stands, displayed his class with a fluent 77 off 96 deliveries. He combined well with Usman Khawaja, who also capitalized on some wayward bowling from Corey Rocchiccioli. However, Gannon, playing against his former team, proved to be a thorn in Queensland's side, dismissing Khawaja for 31.Jack Clayton, batting at No. 4, remained unbeaten on 52, providing stability to Queensland's innings. The pitch at the WACA flattened considerably under sunny conditions, offering little assistance to the bowlers.Western Australia's recovery on day two was spearheaded by allrounder Cooper Connolly and Gannon, who batted for almost the entire first session. Connolly reached his half-century off 64 balls, while Gannon matched him with a valuable contribution.Connolly's bid for a maiden century was cut short when he holed out to Renshaw in the first over after the interval. Fringe Test quick Michael Neser, who had impressed on day one, bowled only three overs on day two, finishing with 5 for 68 from 25 overs.Queensland still face an uphill task to close in on Western Australia's massive total. However, with Labuschagne and Clayton at the crease, they will be confident of making further inroads on day three.

Queensland and Tasmania shared the One-Day Cup points after rain and bad light curtailed their match in Melbourne to just 16 overs.Matt Renshaw's half-century was the only highlight for Queensland, who posted 128 for 5 in the rain-affected encounter. The left-hander struck 51 off 36 balls, including four fours and three sixes.Persistent rain delayed the start of the match by four-and-a-half hours, and the game was eventually reduced to a 20-over affair with 50-over powerplay rules.Tasmania, who had been skittled by Victoria on the same surface two days earlier, unsurprisingly sent Queensland in to bat.Gabe Bell and Beau Webster made early breakthroughs for Tasmania, removing Ben McDermott and Max Bryant respectively.Renshaw and Lachlan Hearne then combined for a 79-run stand in just 8.4 overs, striking seven fours and four sixes between them.Webster broke the partnership, and Matt Kuhnemann picked up his first wicket for his new state against his old side, bowling Jack Wildermuth for 8.Hearne holed out to deep midwicket off Bell in the 15th over, and the umpires checked the light after 16 overs and called a halt to proceedings.Play never resumed, and the points were shared.Queensland will remain in Melbourne and face Victoria on Friday, with Australia Test opener Usman Khawaja set to play after missing the clash with Tasmania.

Somerset's relentless batting prowess propelled them to a resounding eight-wicket victory over Kent in the Vitality County Championship Division One clash at Taunton. After amassing a mammoth 554 in their first innings, Somerset's bowlers restricted Kent to 178, setting the stage for a comfortable chase.In their second innings, Kent showed resilience, battling to 564 all out. Joe Denly led the charge with a gritty 67, while Zak Crawley's 238 and Grant Stewart's 37 provided valuable contributions. However, Somerset's bowlers, led by Josh Davey's 2 for 40, kept the visitors in check.Somerset's chase of 189 was never in doubt. Matt Renshaw, with an unbeaten 82, and Andy Umeed, who contributed 73 not out, guided their team to victory with ease. Renshaw's 122-ball knock featured six boundaries, while Umeed's patient innings included a six to seal the match.Kent's bowlers struggled to make an impact, with only Beyers Swanepoel managing to break through Somerset's top order. Sean Dickson and Tom Lammonby fell cheaply, but Renshaw and Umeed's partnership proved unbreakable.Somerset's victory propelled them into second place in the Division One standings, while Kent remained in the relegation zone. The result highlighted Somerset's impressive start to the season, while Kent's batting woes continued to haunt them.