Kim Hughes: Cameron Bancroft omission would be ‘slap in the face’ for Shield as opener ready to make amends

Former Australian captain Kim Hughes says if selectors don’t pick Cameron Bancroft, it will be a “slap in the face” to the best domestic competition in the world.

Are the rumours true? Is Cameron Bancroft way down at number five or six in the pecking order to be Australia’s next Test opener?

This week’s announcement of Australia’s replacement for David Warner has been like one of those cross country marathons which has a new leader every turn and finishes with a bob of the heads.

One press box wag quipped last week that Bancroft’s likely omission might be the tipping point which prompts Western Australia to finally break away from the rest of Australia, coming as it would on the heels of Justin Langer’s ousting as Australian coach.

Things are not quite that dire but Bancroft’s supporters in his home state are worried and pessimistic about his chances being called in to restart his 10 Test career.

There have been unconfirmed whispers Bancroft is behind Marcus Harris and Matt Renshaw in Australia’s thinking if Australia plumps for a specialist opener and, if they go funky, Cameron Green or Steve Smith.

The case for Bancroft is his imposing recent Sheffield Shield form which towers over his rivals with 1457 runs at 58 over the past two summers.

The case against is that his 10 Tests produced an average of just 26 and Australia has never been totally convinced about his ability to keep out the good balls which the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and company will deliver by the truckload against India next summer.

Perth’s former Australian captain Kim Hughes said the snubbing of Bancroft would be a telling moment for the credibility of Sheffield Shield cricket.

“It really would be a slap in the face for the Sheffield Shield competition if Bancroft is not chosen,’’ Hughes said.

“What sort of message does that send? I know the Shield might not be what it was but it is still the best domestic competition in the world.

Cameron Bancroft has been scoring runs for fun in the Sheffield Shield since he was dropped from the Test side. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images.

“I mean it’s not as if he was just a bit better than the others with his efforts in the Shield. He was miles ahead. And it’s also not as if he is 35 or 36 years old. He’s 31.

“He has learnt from what has happened to him and his technique has improved as well. He has been working with Justin Langer.

“People are talking about Cameron Green opening. I don’t like it. Opening the batting in Tests is a real specialist’s position. And he’s not an opener.’’

There is also the issue of whether Bancroft’s interview with an English paper where he said it was “self-explanatory’’ whether Australia’s fast bowlers knew about his use of sandpaper in the infamous Cape Town Test of 2018 will be held against him.

The bowlers released a statement denying any knowledge and Hughes believes the matter should be addressed by the team if Bancroft was chosen.

“Pat Cummins is very good at handling things like this and it would only be a matter of him talking to Cam somewhere well away from the media. They could sort it out.’’

‘I OWE IT TO MY COUNTRY’: BANCROFT READY TO MAKE TEST AMENDS

– Lachlan McKirdy

Cameron Bancroft believes he has a debt to repay to Australian fans if he is selected as David Warner’s replacement in the Test team with the opener also admitting he has no concerns about his relationship with the Australian bowlers.

Bancroft is one of the favourites to open alongside Usman Khawaja in the upcoming series against the West Indies on the back of his irresistible Sheffield Shield form.

The 31-year-old is the leading run-scorer in first-class cricket this season with 512 runs at an average of 56.88. And while the events of Cape Town are almost six years ago, he knows that to some people he still has a reputation to rebuild.

“[I want it] very bad. Exclamation mark,” Bancroft said. “I feel like I’m physically, mentally and emotionally ready to take that opportunity.

“The past has been a great ground to learn things. I feel like I definitely owe it to my country to put those lessons into play.

“We all make mistakes in the world and I’ve definitely done that in my playing career. One of the lessons I’ve probably learned is to take control of your own actions and responsibilities.

“The [selection] decisions are out of my control, but hopefully, I’ve put myself in a strong position to take that opportunity.”

Bancroft wants an opportunity to show he has learned from his mistakes. Picture: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images/Getty Images

One question mark around Bancroft’s potential return revolves around his relationship with Australia’s bowling group. Despite returning to Test cricket for the Ashes in 2019, there could still be bridges for the opener to mend following an interview with the Guardian in the UK in 2021.

Bancroft suggested that it was “self-explanatory” that Australian bowlers also knew about the plan to tamper with the ball against South Africa. The bowlers issued a strong statement in response refuting the claims.

However, Bancroft believes enough time has passed that it won’t be an issue.

“I still run into those players plenty of times over the past couple of years,” Bancroft said. “I’ve felt nothing but business as usual with how you interact with people.

“The Australian cricket team has moved forward, they’ve been really successful. I’ve also moved forward with my cricket and my career, trying to work on my own game as a cricketer and to work on myself as a human being.

“They play their cricket in the same brand as well and I feel like it wouldn’t be an issue should I come into the environment.

“It’s [Pat Cummins’] cricket team, he’s the captain. No doubt he’s got his feelings and opinions and things like that.

“I’d like to think everyone has moved past that point of time and into what really matters now and that’s cricket.”

Bancroft believes the professionalism of the Australian side would make his return seamless. Picture: AAP Image/Darren England

While Bancroft has form on his side in the race to replace Warner, there is speculation that the Australian side could look to a non-traditional opener in Cameron Green or Steve Smith to fill the void.

Bancroft’s opinion is that he would be frustrated if the position goes to someone who hasn’t been playing at the top of the order, and in particular, making runs there in Shield cricket.

“Naturally I would feel disappointed,” Bancroft said. “Cricket means the world to me and I’ve put my heart and soul into developing my game as an opening batter.

“Some players have been able to transition and go to the top and do really well, but I feel like it’s a specialist position.

“I think the selectors have always been really clear with Shield cricket being the ground they want guys to go back and perform in. I’m sure that’ll be a big part of what they’re looking at when they make that decision.

“I’ve taken that advice on board and done the best I can to score as many runs [as possible] in Shield cricket.”

The 31-year-old has taken his form into T20 cricket and is the Thunder’s leading run-scorer in BBL13. Picture: Simon Sturzaker/Getty Images

For now, Bancroft’s focus is on resurrecting the Sydney Thunder’s Big Bash campaign. They have won only one of their six games and will need to be flawless to make the finals.

“We would like to have played a bit better cricket up until now,” Bancroft said. “Yeah, I think [every game is must-win].

“It’s that kind of season. In 14 games you go through patches and you might not win games and get on a roll. But it’s a bit more crucial with only 10 matches.”

And as he prepares to take on his former side the Scorchers on Monday night, his opponent and WA teammate Sam Whiteman also provided him with a rousing endorsement for a Test return.

“I’ve had a front-row seat for the past four or five years watching him bat and go about his business,” Whiteman said.

“I think he still keeps getting better and I think he’s the right man for the job. If he does get a crack, he’ll do very well. I have no doubt about that.”

Originally published as Kim Hughes: Cameron Bancroft omission would be ‘slap in the face’ for Shield as opener ready to make amends