Renshaw’s superb innings and Ryan Rickelton’s three-ball duck in 8.4 overs before low light halted South Africa’s reply, leaving Australia well-placed to push for victory on a second day on a flat pitch but expected to take turns later in the Test.
The series was eagerly awaited as it was a repeat of last year’s World Test Championship final won by the Proteas.
It’s also the third of a possible 21 Tests for Australia before the Ashes end next summer, and while Renshaw has certainly secured his immediate future at least, his knock doesn’t alleviate all questions about the make-up of their side.
He was in place of Jake Weatherald when he was recalled in August, but was dropped to the fifth row for this Test when Cameron Green was ruled out.
Nic Maddinson came to the top of the order along with Travis Head, giving Australia their 11th different opening partnership since the retirement of David Warner.
With permanent number five Green expected to return and Maddinson hitting a 33-ball duck on day one, the solution to their top-order struggles would be to promote Renshaw again.
It will reunite him with Head, who made a surprise move to impressive effect in the Ashes – he whipped England to centuries in Perth, Adelaide and Sydney – but has shown weakness in failing to pass 22 in four innings since then.
Likewise, Renshaw could remain in the middle order and Green could return for all-rounder Beau Webster, meaning Australia’s hunt for a settled opening pair will continue.
“I have no idea,” Renshaw said of the upcoming decision. “This is way above my salary.
“What’s best for the team is for me. I’m not too excited.”