Brisbane Heat batter Matt Renshaw has declared he has “removed” himself from the pressures of fighting for a spot in the Australian Test team.

Renshaw played 11 Test matches for Australia between 2016 and 2018, and was recalled into the squad last year.

And his return in 2023 wasn’t all smooth sailing, as he played in the final Test of the 2022-2023 series against South Africa, batting in the middle of the order, replacing the injured Cam Green.

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He retained his spot and last played in the team during Australia’s first Test of their tour of India in February 2023.

But now, almost two years on from his last Test for his nation, Renshaw admits he has blocked out the pressure that comes with fighting for that elusive spot.

“A lot of the time we can sort of see the pressures of what’s happening, the Test stuff,” he said on Fox during the Heat’s BBL clash against the Strikers on Sunday night.

“Everyday there is a new article about who should be playing Test cricket.

“I’ve removed myself from that completely. I try not to read any of that anymore.”

Renshaw’s comments follow the axing of fellow Heat batter and Test opener Nathan McSweeney from the Australian side ahead of the Boxing Day Test.

That axing, which proves how fickle cricket can be, has left Renshaw again reassessing his reason for playing the game.

“It’s trying to enjoy it and not play for the reasons of, ‘I want to play Test cricket, that’s the ultimate goal’,” he said.

“I want to play because I enjoy it and if I get to play Test cricket, then I’m really lucky.”