queensland 274 for 7 (Renshaw 120*, Owen 3-64) Tasmania 461 (Weatherald 186, Doran 101, Ward 51, Straker 4-87) by 187 runs
The 28-year-old had been the forgotten man in the debate over who should open for Australia in the India series before Nathan McSweeney finally got the nod, but his unbeaten 120 for Queensland sent a message about his class.
Queensland finished day three at 274 for 7 and need 37 runs to avoid continuation with one day remaining.
A lack of Shield runs had been Renshaw’s problem of late, but his approach on day three at Allan Border Field was one of confidence as he led a comeback in Queensland.
His first boundary, a delightful whip through mid-on, came after he came out of his box to receive the ball with purpose. He continued in that vein and brought up his 22nd first-class century with a punch that pierced the cover to the boundary.
Renshaw said he had taken steps to block the hype around Australia’s top spot.
“Deleting a lot of apps and not reading any news has been a big problem,” he told AAP. “It seems like every summer there’s a circus about something and it’s usually the first matches because Australian cricket wants another first match.
“I’m very happy for Nathan. I think he’s going to do a great job, but I think for us starters [the decision] Last week could have hurt a lot of us.
“We know how difficult the opening is and the satisfaction of batting over a long period of time is why we get the job done, taking on the toughest bowlers with a new ball in its freshest form.”
Renshaw said he was of the firm belief he would add Tests to his 14 for Australia.
“Definitely. I feel like I’m not too far away,” he said. “Obviously time is huge in cricket. I wasted my time on this occasion but there will be another time in the future when I will have to be ready.
“This is my 10th season and I feel like I’ve been through this seven or eight times in this testing place. I feel like I’m improving and I’m happy with my game.
“I felt really good the last few games, but every time I got to the place I wanted to I went out, so today, once I got in, I wanted to make sure I commit to the way I want to play.
“Having good intentions really helped me today. I’ve been instilling in myself that I am a player who can get the job done in any condition against any team. I had been trusting that something magical was around the corner and today was that magic.”
Renshaw had willing allies in Ben McDermott, the ever-reliable Jimmy Peirson and 19-year-old sailor Tom Straker.
Most of the second day was over but Tasmania decided to continue their overnight 394 for 5 in search of quick runs and were bowled out for 461. All-rounder Beau Webster upped the ante as wickets fell.
