Western Australia opener Cameron Bancroft has set a Sheffield Shield batting record for a wicketkeeper in an innings that should jog national selectors’ memories of his abilities.
Bancroft’s defiant unbeaten 76 against a Test strength NSW attack at Sydney’s Hurstville Oval on Monday represented the first time a wicketkeeper had carried his bat through an entire Shield innings.
It was also the highest score this season by a wicketkeeper in a Shield game.
Matthew Wade, Peter Nevill and Alex Carey are the front runners for the Test keeper’s spot but all have failed to post a substantial score this season.
While he’s a part-time stumper rather than a regular custodian, Bancroft did keep wicket in his one senior match for Australia in a 2016 T20 game.
He has had more opportunities to don the gloves this season because of an injury to Sam Whiteman.
“It’s a role that I feel confident enough to do well in,” Bancroft told AAP.
“I’ve just done it in the one-day tournament, so I’ve had plenty of practice under my belt.
“I enjoy keeping, you’re always in the game.
“I love opening the batting at the same time. It’s difficult to balance the two, but whatever the team needs.”
He was on the verge of the Test team in 2015 when he was chosen in the squad to go to Bangladesh before that tour was cancelled.
Asked about his Test aspirations, Bancroft said: “I just keep scoring runs for Western Australia and you never know what can happen down the track; of course, that’s a dream.”
Bancroft doesn’t possess the stunning attacking strokeplay of an Adam Gilchrist but he proved on Monday he could blunt the sharpest attack.
Watched by national selector Mark Waugh, he stood his ground against the likely Australian first Test attack of pacemen Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazelwood and spinner Nathan Lyon.
‘They are just relentless, they are always at you, always asking questions every ball,” Bancroft said.
“I knew it was going to be hard work to score runs, but it was a nice challenge.”
His resolution was noted and praised by Starc, who polished off the WA innings by taking a hat-trick.
‘He did a good job to sort of grind through the tough period,” Starc said.
NSW go into the final day at 2-166, a,lead of 260, with Australian captain Steve Smith on 74 and Kurtis Patterson on 60.
“‘We’re going to have to start well, hopefully reduce the damage and hopefully chase a low 300s score,” Bancroft said.
George
Guest
Yeah right. Who Shauny? Stoinis? Mitchy? Apart from Klinger none of them are very good.
dan ced
Guest
Um.. that was knocking middle peg over, vicious Starc-lite type ball from Mennie, love it.
Doctor Rotcod
Guest
They had to give Nathan a mid-order wicket. Got Short both digs as well Top match from Starc. Average of 50 something in the game Shaun gave it away,though. NSW would have been a bit on edge up till then. Warner also got a pair.
Rellum
Roar Guru
I was going to joke about time for Starc to repeat his hatrick from the first innings when WA were 7 down. I wish I had because I come home to find he did just that. Epic bowling.
Don Freo
Guest
That was a bit of a home town decision against Turner. Hit him obviously outside off.
Don Freo
Guest
The SA / Vic game is the close one now.
BurgyGreen
Guest
WA are shutting up shop and going for the draw. Only realistic option at this point. That first wicket partnership will have given NSW a scare though.
John Erichsen
Roar Guru
NSW will be thinking they have a sniff now.
John Erichsen
Roar Guru
I am looking forward to massive England batting collapses if that is the case. 4/12 in 6 overs will take some beating ;)
Don Freo
Guest
NOOOOO! Cam, Hilton, Mitch...Watcha doin? This will be fun from here on in.
AREH
Roar Guru
I would be all for the Bancroft idea at number 7 and to keep, however this match currently is only his second first class match as keeper. They might very well rate his keeping enough, but I'm really just not sure if that's enough keeping experience in long format cricket to be a realistic consideration. There is no doubt he is a better batsman than the other contenders. Far better
John Erichsen
Roar Guru
That falling to the off found him out ... eventually. Very good match for Cameron though. His name will now be looked at as a test possibility in the future. That hasn't been the case for at least 12 months.
John Erichsen
Roar Guru
That has been pretty amusing... "Excuse me. Have you seen our ball?"
jamesb
Guest
Poor Hilton. He has got a pair. Bancroft is 162 not out for the match.
Rissole
Guest
Agreed
Don Freo
Guest
West Australian batsmen are a few leagues better than The Poms.
BurgyGreen
Guest
I hope England aren't watching this. A little bit embarrassing for our Test attack.
Don Freo
Guest
Banners has just hit another one there. He has been on the field for every minute of the game so far.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Nothing like watching million dollar athletes walking around a suburban street looking for a ball, maybe asking the neighbour for it back.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Bancroft is struggling a little bit here. edging a few.