Test hopeful Cameron Bancroft says he’ll be disappointed if his Sheffield Shield form is ignored when selectors name David Warner’s replacement, saying he owes his country to return to the national team.
Warner’s retirement has sparked discussion around who will join Usman Khawaja at the top of the order, with Bancroft, Marcus Harris, Matt Renshaw and Cameron Green considered options.
Steve Smith has also indicated he would be open to a move up the order, though Australia captain Pat Cummins has played down that option.
Bancroft urged selectors to pick a specialist opener when they name the squad for the upcoming Test series against the West Indies.
“It’s something I really want,” he said ahead of the Sydney Thunder’s clash with the Perth Scorchers.
“I feel like I’m physically, mentally and emotionally ready to take that opportunity.”
“The past has been a great ground for me to learn things about myself, and I feel like I owe it to my country to put those lessons into play.
“We all make mistakes in the world, and I’ve definitely done that in my playing career. It’s pretty obvious that’s the case for me.”
Bancroft played down suggestions of a poor relationship with Australia’s pace bowlers, after a 2021 interview in which he responded to a question about the bowlers’ role in the ball-tampering scandal with “I think it’s pretty probably self-explanatory.”
“I think time has moved past that,” he said.
“I’ve run into those players plenty of times over the last couple of years and I’ve certainly felt nothing but business as usual.
“What’s happened in the past has been and gone, and I know those guys feel the same.”
Bancroft said not being selected would be a blow.
“I would feel disappointed, obviously,” he said.
“Cricket means the world to me and I put my heart and soul into developing my game as an opening batter.”
“Some players have been able to transition and go to the top and do really well, but yeah look I feel like it’s a specialist position.”