India, Oct. 29 -- When Matt Renshaw landed in South Africa, he was expecting to open the innings in the three-Test series. But then Nic Maddinson was chosen to accompany Travis Head in the first two Tests before being dropped for the decider. In the first Test at Kingsmead, Renshaw batted at No.5 and scored 190 & 82. His century in the first innings was his first in 10 years. But then in the second Test at Gqeberha, his batting position was changed, not just once but twice. In the first innings, he batted at No.6 and scored 12; in the second, he batted at No.4 and scored 11.

For the decider, after Australia made three changes as Cameron Green and Josh Inglis returned from injuries, Renshaw was sent up the order to the opening spot. It wa...