Matt Renshaw returns to the scene of former success at Somerset

Four years ago, Renshaw scored 513 Championship runs at an average of more than 50 across his six red-ball appearances, as well as contributing 180 runs in 50-over cricket. The Australian has signed until the end of August

Somerset's bid to end their long wait for County Championship glory has been bolstered by the signing of Australian batsman Matt Renshaw.

Renshaw, 25, returns to Taunton until at least the end of August on a deal which includes first-class and Royal London Cup cricket.

The county will be hoping he can recreate the success he enjoyed on his previous stint in the south west in 2018.

Four years ago, Renshaw scored 513 Championship runs at an average of more than 50 across his six red-ball appearances, as well as contributing 180 runs in 50-over cricket.

Middlesbrough-born, his family relocated to New Zealand and then Australia before his teenage years.

^{Matt Renshaw enjoyed a prolific spell with Somerset in 2018 (Harry Trump/Getty Images)}

The youngest man to score a Sheffield Shield hundred for Queensland, Renshaw was first called up by the Australia national setup after just 12 first-class appearances.

He has 11 Test caps for his country, scoring 636 runs, but he was not awarded a Cricket Australia central contract in April 2019 and has not worn the Baggy Green since the Johannesburg match on the infamous 'Sandpapergate' tour of South Africa in 2018.

Renshaw enjoyed a prolific 2020-21 first-class summer in Australia, with two centuries and exactly 500 runs at an average above 62, while in the current Sheffield Shield season he averages a shade under 40 from nine innings. He was called into the Australia A squad for the game against England Lions in Brisbane.

Where he bats for Somerset will be interesting.

Renshaw enjoyed much of his early-career success as an opener, scored his runs for Somerset on his previous visit in that position, and was used by Australia at the top of the order, but has dropped down into the middle order in recent seasons.

Steve Waugh described him as the "forgotten man" of Australian cricket ahead of the Ashes campaign, with the former national captain suggesting Renshaw would be a good option to partner David Warner against England.

"I don't know why he is batting in the lower order because he did a great job for Australia opening," Waugh said.

"He's got a good technique but for some reason he is not the flavour of the day."

Somerset ended last season with Ben Green partnering Tom Lammonby at the top of the order, but Renshaw would add an extra layer of class.

^{Renshaw has been used in the middle order by Queenland (Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)}

Whether they want to risk a star overseas acquisition against the new ball in the Championship in April and May is another question.

Regardless, the move to the County Ground gives both Somerset and their overseas signing a platform to push on in 2022.

"I've kept in touch with a lot of the guys there, and when I got the opportunity to go back, I jumped at the chance," Renshaw said.

"Although I was only there for a short time, the members and supporters really got behind me and made me feel extremely welcome. I've never forgotten that, and hopefully I can help give them something to cheer about in 2022. I know they've always wanted that Championship trophy, so let's see what we can do."

Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry said: "There is no doubt that Matt is a quality performer, and he has proved that on the biggest stage. He burst on to the scene and caught the eye at ayoung age and through hard work and determination he is once again on the cusp of international recognition.

"We wanted to bolster our ability to put opposition bowlers under real pressure and this will be a great opportunity for him to contribute to our success and to put himself right back in the frame for selection for the national team."