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Queensland coach Wade Seccombe says "there's absolutely no doubt" in his mind that Matthew Renshaw is ready to return to Test cricket despite the left-hander's recent run of low scores.
Australia's selectors will this week pick their squad for the Domain Test Series against India, with the identity of the opening partnership one of the major questions to be answered.
Renshaw, who was left out of the recent Test series against Pakistan, had been favoured to resume his spot at the top of the order, especially after he made a fine 89 against Western Australia last week.
But his scores of 21 and 6 against a Test-quality NSW attack in Canberra this week means he's passed 25 just once in six innings since returning from the UAE.
However, Seccombe believes both Renshaw and Marnus Labuschagne should be in the side for the first Test. The Bulls coach was unequivocal when asked if Renshaw is ready to add to his 11 Tests.
"There's absolutely no doubt about that," Seccombe said.
"We've definitely seen that with Matthew. Cricket watchers in Australia recognise what a great talent he is, and we're just going to see Marnus get better and better.
"They can definitely take that step up. (I was) disappointed they both didn't really cash in on this game, but I've got no doubt about them for the future.
"I hope (selectors) look back at performances over a period of time and pick their best side based on time rather than what's happening in the here and now.
"It would have been great for them (to fire against NSW). They just had to spend some time out there and then everyone is talking about them.
"That wasn't to be the case, it would have been a nice audition for them, but so be it."
Aaron Finch and Usman Khawaja quickly formed a strong partnership as openers in the UAE and they could bat at the top together again against India.
Despite thriving in the middle-order at first-class level in recent seasons, Finch has been backed by skipper Tim Paine to stay at the top, Paine telling cricket.com.au that the Victorian has "earned the right to open the batting" after posting scores of 62, 49, 39 and 31 in his maiden Test campaign.
Khawaja is on track for the first Test following minor knee surgery, but it's yet to be determined if he will stay as an opener or move back down the order to No.3.
Finch and Khawaja do offer selectors flexibility in that both players could easily bat lower down if selectors determine that Renshaw or Victorian opener Marcus Harris have done enough to earn a call-up.
"I've spoken to Usman and he's not fussed where he bats," Paine told cricket.com.au earlier this month.
"I think his absolute preference if he was pushed on it would be to bat at three, but he's happy to bat wherever the team needs him."
On Monday, Test greats Shane Warne and Mark Waugh both said they would overlook Renshaw for the first Test, with Waugh tweeting: "I originally thought Renshaw to open but I'm concerned by his dismissals and reaction to getting out in the 2nd innings v NSW."
Australia's selectors will this week pick their squad for the Domain Test Series against India, with the identity of the opening partnership one of the major questions to be answered.
Renshaw, who was left out of the recent Test series against Pakistan, had been favoured to resume his spot at the top of the order, especially after he made a fine 89 against Western Australia last week.
But his scores of 21 and 6 against a Test-quality NSW attack in Canberra this week means he's passed 25 just once in six innings since returning from the UAE.
However, Seccombe believes both Renshaw and Marnus Labuschagne should be in the side for the first Test. The Bulls coach was unequivocal when asked if Renshaw is ready to add to his 11 Tests.
"There's absolutely no doubt about that," Seccombe said.
"We've definitely seen that with Matthew. Cricket watchers in Australia recognise what a great talent he is, and we're just going to see Marnus get better and better.
"They can definitely take that step up. (I was) disappointed they both didn't really cash in on this game, but I've got no doubt about them for the future.
"I hope (selectors) look back at performances over a period of time and pick their best side based on time rather than what's happening in the here and now.
"It would have been great for them (to fire against NSW). They just had to spend some time out there and then everyone is talking about them.
"That wasn't to be the case, it would have been a nice audition for them, but so be it."
Aaron Finch and Usman Khawaja quickly formed a strong partnership as openers in the UAE and they could bat at the top together again against India.
Despite thriving in the middle-order at first-class level in recent seasons, Finch has been backed by skipper Tim Paine to stay at the top, Paine telling cricket.com.au that the Victorian has "earned the right to open the batting" after posting scores of 62, 49, 39 and 31 in his maiden Test campaign.
Khawaja is on track for the first Test following minor knee surgery, but it's yet to be determined if he will stay as an opener or move back down the order to No.3.
Finch and Khawaja do offer selectors flexibility in that both players could easily bat lower down if selectors determine that Renshaw or Victorian opener Marcus Harris have done enough to earn a call-up.
"I've spoken to Usman and he's not fussed where he bats," Paine told cricket.com.au earlier this month.
"I think his absolute preference if he was pushed on it would be to bat at three, but he's happy to bat wherever the team needs him."
On Monday, Test greats Shane Warne and Mark Waugh both said they would overlook Renshaw for the first Test, with Waugh tweeting: "I originally thought Renshaw to open but I'm concerned by his dismissals and reaction to getting out in the 2nd innings v NSW."