Cameron Bancroft says he owes it to Australia to return to Test cricket and succeed, adamant he has healed his scars from the ball-tampering scandal and there would be no tension with his fast bowling team-mates.
The race to replace David Warner as Test opener has entered the home straight, with the squad to face the West Indies in Adelaide on January 17 to be announced Tuesday.
Bancroft has not played for Australia since two Tests at the start of the 2019 Ashes, which doubled as his comeback from the ball-tampering ban.
“The past has been a great ground for me to learn things about myself. I feel like I definitely owe it to my country to put those lessons into play,” Bancroft said.
“We all make mistakes in the world, and I have obviously done that in my playing career. It is pretty obvious that has been the case for me.
“One of the lessons I have learned over the time is to be able to take control of your own actions and responsibilities.
“They are definitely values that have risen to the surface for me, and I have tried to apply them to all aspects of my life and to my cricket to make me a better person.”
Bancroft is also hopeful the infamous Cape Town incident of 2018 will not cost him a recall, saying at the start of the summer he believed he had done his time for the crime.
The 31-year-old is also confident his relationship with the team is fine, despite evoking a strong response from the fast bowlers in 2021 when he suggested it was “self explanatory” whether they knew about the ball tampering.
“I think time has moved past that,” said Bancroft, who will play for the Sydney Thunder against his old BBL club Perth on Monday.
“I have still run into those players plenty of times over the past couple of years, and I have felt nothing but business-as-usual in how you interact with people.
“What has happened in the past has been and gone now. I know those guys feel the same.
Cameron Bancroft bats for Australia A. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
“The Australian cricket team has moved forward, they have been really successful. I have moved forward with my cricket and career as well.
“I feel like it wouldn’t be an issue if I come into the environment.”
Bancroft began the summer as one of the front-runners for the job, having dominated the Sheffield Shield for the past 18 months with Western Australia.
But it has become increasingly likely Australia could shift to a non-specialist opener, a point over which Bancroft has repeatedly urged caution.
He also rejects the notion that the fact he is the slowest run-scorer of all candidates is an issue, as Australia look for a replacement for the fast-scoring Warner.
“No doubt we play cricket in very different ways, but there is more than one way to skin a cat. Everyone is unique in the way they play their cricket,” said Bancroft, adding he’d be “naturally” disappointed if selectors chose a non-traditional opener.
“Cricket means the world to me and I have put my heart and soul into developing my game as an opening batter.
“The selectors have always said to me that being a top-order batter and playing really well in that position is the position they’ve seen me in.
“I’ve taken that advice on board and done the best I can to score as many runs in Shield cricket.”
Chanon
Roar Rookie
The old adage ‘out of sight, out of mind’.
ant
Roar Rookie
Unless they planning on hosting an India test at the Junction Oval, no for Harris
badmanners
Roar Rookie
Where upon being asked by Hockley if he had any new information to give he replied no. And when they announce the team next week if he doesn't get in people will say whatever reasons are put forward (Renshaw is younger, Harris has been the spare, Green is worth a try, Smith needs a challenge, blah, blah, blah) all the conspiracy theorists will say it's because the bowling cartel won't have him in the team. Despite having Smith and Warner in the team since the're ban's expired.
Diamond Jackie
Roar Rookie
When he was last in the test team Langer ran the show. Now Pat does. There’s your answer.
Damo
Roar Rookie
I agree along these lines. Either Bancroft or Renshaw to open, I don't mind. If Green isn't playing, he needs to be released for Shield cricket. His confidence took a hit in Eng and he should go back to WA, bat at 4 and pile on the runs. Warner calling for Harris was just embarrassing.
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
Bancroft is the fall guy, there's no way known he's getting the gig.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Ha ha
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Marcellus once said ‘The night of the fight you may feel a slight sting. That’s pride FKing with you. FK pride.Pride only hurts, it never helps. I wonder if this resonates with the bowling cartel or more importantly with Bancroft.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Shared amongst the cartel, 2 of course.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
One hump or two?
The Bush
Roar Guru
I feel for Bancroft, he seems a decent enough guy and he's scored plenty of runs lately. He's also an excellent fielder, something that is usually a sign of being 'test standard'. But I actually think his time has passed. He's 31, we only have two tests against a weak Windies and then a brief tour to New Zealand, who are also unlikely to be too tough (no Boult, an old Southee etc). By the time India turn up next summer, he'll be 32 and his best batting years will be behind him. This is the reason why he's had such success in the last few years, he's been in his peak batting years (28-32). Also, as others have noted, even with all the Shield runs he's scored over the last two years, he still only averages 38 at FC level, which reflects that he's struggled in England and at A level in the last few years. Whilst it's harsh, for these reasons I'd be going for Renshaw. At 27 he's about to enter his peak years, he's shown he can succeed at test level when given the chance and he scores big centuries. He'd be my pick. Harris should be nowhere near the team, like Bancroft, he's the wrong age, but he has even more downsides, including being a terrible fielder. Green should just bide his time, score Shield runs and wait for Smith to retire.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
That’s before he had a dig in 21’ Let’s see what transpires on Tuesday when they announce the player.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
At the local pub of course!
BigGordon
Roar Rookie
I'm tired of hearing the clichéd nonsense from Bailey and McDonald about who might be in contention for the Test opening spot. I'm also disliking players having to state their cases in the court of public opinion. Just once, I'd like to hear Tony Dodemaide's thoughts about the opening position as well as the future Test prospects given Khawaja, Smith and perhaps MM only have limited shelf lives in Test cricket.
badmanners
Roar Rookie
I personally would like to see Bancroft get the gig. Shield runs should count. For all the people saying the cartel are keeping him out of the team keep in mind he played 2 tests on the 2019 ashes tour post sandpapergate.
Pumping Dougie
Roar Guru
Bancroft, Harris, Renshaw and Green all have strong cases for selection. All deserve it. Bancroft has well and truly served his time and was a pawn in Sandpapergate in any case. But that doesn't mean he is our best choice to replace Warner. Personally, I'd prefer to see Green accommodated in the side somehow.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
It'd be Australian cricket's case of swallowing a camel and straining at a gnat
Chanon
Roar Rookie
I think it’s self explanatory if Bancroft misses out, ‘the family of trust’ was broken & the bowling cartel wont allow treason return.
Damo
Roar Rookie
Talking like a man who knows he's getting shafted. 2018 isn't dead yet, Warner has his book coming and Bancroft will tell his full story in the coming years (or sooner if he knows his test career is over) A lot of legacies are going to get burnt.