Cameron Bancroft has made his case for an Ashes call-up almost irresistible after producing an unbeaten double century in Western Australia’s Sheffield Shield clash with South Australia at the WACA Ground.
But the news wasn’t so good for fellow Ashes hopeful Jake Lehmann, who made just 13 before being caught at slip.
Bancroft scored an unbeaten 228 to lift WA to a formidable 7(dec)-514 on a batter-friendly deck.
In reply, the Redbacks ended day two at 6-322, with Jake Weatherald (152 off 180 balls) the star of their innings.
South Australia duo Alex Carey (26no) and Joe Mennie (21no) will resume on Wednesday.
Bancroft had 161 runs to his name by the end of play on Monday.
And he reached his double century shortly before lunch on day two after taking spinner Travis Head to the cleaners with a series of boundaries.
Bancroft has now produced scores of 76no, 86, and 228no in his past three Shield innings, with his hot form firmly thrusting him into the selection frame for the Ashes opener at the Gabba, starting November 23.
“He’s done everything you can do,” WA coach Justin Langer said of Bancroft’s Ashes hopes.
“He was brilliant last week in Sydney. And he’s been on the field the whole game again.
“It was a great tribute to his concentration, and his athleticism.
“He’s so fit. He’s so tough physically and mentally. And by scoring those runs, he gives the selectors something to think about, doesn’t he?”
Test selector Greg Chappell was on hand to watch Bancroft’s latest heroics. He would have also seen Bancroft take a sharp, diving catch as wicketkeeper to remove Travis Head for 18.
Bancroft’s 513-minute, 351-ball innings featured 22 fours and three sixes.
The right-hander can open, bat at No.6, or become Australia’s wicketkeeper-batsman.
But with Hilton Cartwright favoured to be picked at No.6 and Peter Nevill set for a recall to don the gloves, it seems current Test opener Matthew Renshaw is the man most under pressure.
Renshaw hasn’t made it past 20 in his past nine innings – a worrying form slump that could prove terminal to his Ashes hopes.
In Queensland’s current clash with NSW, Renshaw made just 16 and one against a depleted Blues bowling attack.
Lehmann, the son of Australia coach Darren Lehmann, had the chance to bolster his own Ashes prospects for the vacant No.6 spot.
But he lasted just 16 balls before he edged Jhye Richardson to slip.
Curious George
Guest
how about joe mennie in the ashes mix? any options there? nice swing bowler with good pace
Big Steve
Guest
cartright didnt score last week either. making renshaw look like a run machine. its a joke if renshaw gets dropped and cartright plays.
Chris Love
Roar Guru
I’d say both feet are in the door, only where does he sit is up for debate.
dan ced
Guest
Cowan fixed that flaw in his game and has been near-dominant in shield in the past few years. Not advocating for his return, merely his being picked ahead of FLOG MADDINSON. The elderly cricketer I want back in AUS circles (in shorter forms) is Michael Klinger.
paul
Guest
"With Cartwright favoured to be picked at 6" - says who? If you're going to compare batsmen, don't just single out Lehmann and not include Cartwright's batting figures (35 on a track where his side made 500) or Maxwell (4). It's all about a body of work, not just one score and on THAT basis, Bancroft should get a run and so should Maxwell ahead of Cartwright who simply hasn't done enough so far this year to dump Maxwell - and I'm not a fa of Maxwell at all.
Curious George
Guest
I like Renshaw but he needs to find form Drop him now like a rotten piece of mango in the crisp Campbelltown air. Moriah Mills.....the name for the future, a big career coming up!
James GC
Roar Rookie
Agreed rebellion, welcome to the team Bancroft. Wade will be lucky to be in a shield team next season.
Rebellion
Guest
I think he has to replace Renshaw - there is little point putting an out-of-form and largely inexperienced player into an Ashes lineup when the pressure could lead to a demise it could take several seasons to recover from. Despite all of the ho-hum about Cowan, people forget he was a shocking test cricketer who blocked out scoring opportunities getting the oppositions tail up in attack in the process. The King of 12 off 89 balls on a good wicket. Renshaw is class but we don’t need a guy scratching around trying to find form against a world class attack, he’ll just end up putting pressure on his team mates like Ed Cowan did. Neville at 7 for me please. Wade is shi+house and has too many mates publicly weighing in on his behalf