The series defeat to South Africa at home late last year was a rude wakeup call for the Australians. Post losing the series at Hobart, some sweeping and wholesale changes to the setup were made, which included a few tough calls and handing youngsters with an opportunity to succeed.
Among the youngsters backed to succeed in the ultimate form of the game were opener Matt Renshaw and middle order batsman Peter Handscomb.
The latter in particular has been extremely impressive so far, doing well for the Kangaroos each time he steps onto the field. During the side’s surprisingly positive tour of India, where Australia stretched the hosts till the very end, Handscomb did well with the bat. In that series, it was the right hander’s sheer resistance and determination, which saved the Test for Australia at Ranchi.
Post that series, Handscomb worked around in the English county circuit, representing Yorkshire. Post his stint with the county and rubbing shoulders with England’s Test captain Joe Root, Handscomb is full of confidence and geared up for the near future.
“I was quite lucky, I managed to bat with him (Joe Root) a couple of times. He’s quite a relaxed character,” Handscomb said. “He’s class. He just knows his game so well but also knows the opposition’s game very well. “So he’s one step ahead before the ball has come down in a sense.” “He (Root) has obviously taken to captaincy quite well too.” “He’s calm. He reads the game well and I think he’ll do a good job as England captain.”
Maintaining that the stint in the UK helped him, he added,
“Mainly just to back my own technique in England. You can go over and be worried about what the ball and wickets are going to do.” “I believe the biggest battle is walking to the centre with confidence and belief. “Hopefully I come away from it a better player.”