Adam Voges’ heart sank when he saw Rod Marsh’s name flash up on his mobile phone, but he needn’t have worried.
Voges had waited 35 years to break into the Test team.
But after failing to fire in England when the Ashes series was on the line, Voges’ spot in the Test side appeared precarious.
Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Chris Rogers and Shane Watson had all retired.
And with Australia looking towards youth, Voges feared the selectors may want to push him out the door.
Then came the phone call from chairman of selectors Marsh earlier this month.
Voges feared the worst as he reached for his phone.
But instead of being told of his axing, Voges was informed that he had been made vice-captain for next month’s Test tour of Bangladesh.
“I was a bit nervous answering the call,” Voges recalled on Wednesday at WA’s season launch.
“You get told that they don’t ring you unless they’re telling you you’re out of the team.
“But it was good news. I had a good chat with Rod. I had a big spring in my step after that.
“I understand it’s only a temporary role for this tour, but it’s a huge honour.”
Voges knows he needs to make runs in Bangladesh if he is to keep his spot for the summer.
The Warriors skipper made a century in his Test debut in the West Indies.
But he was averaging just 12.33 in the Ashes series before saving his career with knocks of 51 not out and 76 in his final two innings.
Voges is yet to play a Test in Australia, and he would love nothing more than to face New Zealand at the Gabba, starting November 5.
He could be joined in the side by WA opener Cameron Bancroft, who could make his Test debut against Bangladesh next month.
Although the 22-year-old has built a reputation as a patient opener in long-form cricket, WA coach Justin Langer said Bancroft had the talent and work ethic to succeed in T20 and one-day ranks as well.
“He’s got a (Mike) Hussey-like work ethic,” Langer said.
“And he’s hard core, physically tough.
“Whilst he’s an opening batsman in four-day cricket, he learns so quickly and works so hard, so he’ll work out those other formats as well.”
Voges and Bancroft will be on international duties when WA attempt to defend their one-day cup crown next month.
But Langer is confident his team still possess enough weapons to do well in the competition.
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