Australia slumped to 29 for 4 in the fifth over before a 77-run partnership between Renshaw and Glenn Maxwell, who contributed 31 off 32 balls, stabilized the innings. Despite the recovery, Australia suffered the loss and are currently third in the points table with two points.
“We probably should have gone after that. I don’t think it’s the bowling group that should be blamed today. [Zimbabwe] bowled really well early on, took a few early wickets and felt like every time we built some momentum they made a breakthrough. That collaboration with Maxi was important. But we couldn’t get enough momentum there to pursue that. There were too many,” Renshaw said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Renshaw was forced to bat higher than normal after Stoinis injured his left hand while fielding a delivery on his own bowling alley. In addition, Marsh, who was due to open the innings, was sidelined due to a testicular injury.
“I think our batting group is so fluid with different options. With our experience in Big Bash cricket, we are well suited to go in different places in the middle. Having Mitch out is a big loss and it is not certain when he will be back. He is a big player to open the batting, and if he is not there, someone else has to open. So we have those differences in where people will be. But in terms of fluidity, I think we are all quite capable of manipulating and maneuvering under different conditions. Unfortunately we just lost wickets at the wrong time today,” said Renshaw.
Australia have not yet found a replacement for Josh Hazlewood, who was ruled out of the tournament last week. Team management may wait to assess options before finalizing a replacement. With Australia now at risk of exiting the group stages, Renshaw insisted the team’s problems are not due to a lack of bowling talent.
“I think the bowlers in the group that are here are good enough. You have seen them perform so many times in the cricket world. Sometimes they just don’t get the wickets and the ball goes in the hole,” Renshaw said.
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