He once appeared set to be a long-term solution at the top of Australia’s Test batting order.

And nearly a decade after making a massive early impression as a 20-year-old, Matt Renshaw is set to return there after answering an SOS from the side’s selectors in the wake of a humiliating defeat to Bangladesh.

The Queensland left-hander earning a call-up into the squad for a Test which begins on Saturday in Mackay represents the latest twist in a winding career replete with them.

Although he was among an extended group which participated in a warm-up camp in Brisbane ahead of the Bangladesh series, he was not part of a lean 13-man squad which was initially named for both Tests.

But under-pressure opener Jake Weatherald was made to pay the price for a skittish display in Australia’s stunning nine-wicket defeat to the unheralded tourists in Darwin last week, and the 30-year-old appears certain to replace him at the top of the order.

Midway through what was just his second season at Sheffield Shield level in 2016, Renshaw was among three batters called up to Australia’s side in a major reshuffle following an embarrassing defeat against South Africa.

He immediately showcased soundness in both his mindset and technique by helping his side to victory with a disciplined 34 not out from 137 balls on his debut in Adelaide. And when he smashed 184 against Pakistan at the SCG in what was just his fourth Test weeks later, it looked like a star had been born.

Although his returns diminished both at the top level and domestically from there, many observers felt he was unfortunate to be dropped from the Test side for the first time ahead of the 2017-18 Ashes.

His brief and unsuccessful stints since have come in different roles — including standing in for David Warner both in South Africa as ‘Sandpapergate’ roared to life in 2018 and as a concussion substitute at the SCG five years later.

In what would have been a barely-believable development for the sometimes-stodgy, defence-first batter the country was first introduced to, most of his international matches since have come in the limited-overs arena.

Since making his One-Day International debut against India in Perth last year, he has compiled four half-centuries in 18 international white-ball matches.

Although Renshaw has played much of his shield cricket for his State in the middle order in recent years, Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey believes he is ready to succeed at the top of the order.

“Renners is in a really good place mentally and his cricket is showing that,” Carey said.

“He has got a young family now and he has played some (international) white-ball cricket so he is has been around the group a fair bit the last couple of years.

“Every challenge that has come his way he has really stood up to it. I’m looking forward to seeing Renners out there alongside Trav.

“Renners has definitely matured as a cricketer, as you do when you move into your 30s as you learn a lot about yourself, the game and the challenges that come with that.”

Renshaw will enter the first-ever Test match at Great Barrier Reef Arena as the owner of a fine Sheffield Shield record at the venue, having compiled hundreds in two of his three innings there.