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.
Adsa
Guest
I like that team, nothing wrong with throwing Burns & Bancroft in the deep end and seeing who swims.
danno
Guest
Voges, very lucky to keep his spot, he was a huge disappointment in England, made dead rubber runs. I would have gone for youth.
Vishnu
Guest
Marsh is not worthy of a openers spot. He is not tight around off stump. We would do well with Bancroft and Burns. Khawaja at 3. Smith at 4. Voges at 5. Mitch Marsh 6.Nev at 7. Now the bowlers have become an issue with Cummins injury. 8 O keefe 9 Starc 10 Siddle 11 Lyon. Bancroft looked tight around off stump in difficult Indian conditions. Tat too in Chennai. Good tat Australia hired S Sriram a good player of spin to help them out. They would do good to rope in Kallis or Chanderpaul as test battin consultant to teach young batsmen to.bat long
AREH
Roar Guru
He has done well considering I think Voges. Seven matches into his test career he has already scored a match-winning hundred and two fifties; an especially good fightback late in the Ashes given a troubled start. He has the VC to his name for the Bangladesh tests but there is no hiding he must keep the runs going; ideally he can be a leader in this middle order for the next 12-18 months depending on both form and if others are knocking on the door namely Lynn/Maxwell/Handscomb/Ferguson
Sideline Comm.
Guest
I like Bancroft but I don't know where he can fit into the team at the moment. Burn and S. Marsh are probably ahead of him on the openers list, and are only fighting for one spot. Khawaja, Smith, and Voges have the middle order sewn up for this series at least. By what Boof said Khawaja won't be dropped for the NZ series. Maybe Voges, if he has four failures (I hope he doesn't), but then Burns or Marsh may well get the spot as they have experience in the middle order.