Cricket: Many happy returns for Renshaw

Matt Renshaw. Photo / Supplied

Australia opener Matt Renshaw failed to cash in yesterday, but the 20-year-old ticked off an impressive milestone in India.

Renshaw hadn't set foot in the world's second most populous country before arriving for the four-test tour. He now boasts a career tally of 523 test runs.

No Australian has scored so many runs before their 21st birthday. Clem Hill (482 runs) previously held the record.

Renshaw will be kicking himself after a loose stroke brought about his downfall on 44 late in the morning session on day one of the third test.

But the imposing left-hander bettered opening partner David Warner yet again, refusing to give the top-ranked side even a half-chance until he edged the ball to Virat Kohli at first slip.

Renshaw was widely viewed as a nurdler following his test debut at Adelaide Oval, but in India has looked to attack some of the world's best bowlers.

He dispatched poor balls with ease yesterday, stroking six well-timed boundaries to race to 24 off 22 balls. The comparisons with Matthew Hayden will continue to flow thick and fast.

"The essence of a good test player is absorbing pressure," Hayden said on Star Sports.

"The greatest batsmen have to do that, they have to see the conditions and outlast bowlers. It's a battle of attrition."

Renshaw played with soft hands, waiting for the ball to come to him on the slow- and-low surface. The Middlesbrough-born batsman put the fast outfield to good use, cover driving paceman and spinners alike.

Coach Darren Lehmann was full of praise for Renshaw's resilience in the first test, when he was struck on the forearm and battled a stomach bug.

"When he gets out in the middle, he knows exactly what he wants to do and how he wants to do it," Lehmann said.

"For a 20-year-old that's pretty special.

"That's good for a young man to have that insight into the game so early."

Australia went to lunch on 109 for three with skipper Steve Smith on 34 not out.