Cameron Bancroft takes red-ball form to BBL with Test selection up for grabs

If runs are the only currency for national selection, Cameron Bancroft should be the frontrunner to replace David Warner after another big haul.

Cameron Bancroft gave national selectors more food for thought when it comes to choosing David Warner’s Test replacement in January but has no eyes beyond his newest role for his new Big Bash team.

National selection chief George Bailey is not averse to looking at white-ball form as much as red when it comes to the Australian team and Bancroft scorched a 54-ball innings of 74 for the Sydney Thunder on Tuesday night to frank his red-hot Sheffield Shield form.

There’s a groundswell of support for Bancroft, the leading Shield run-scorer already this season and last season, who also made a polished half-century against Pakistan for the PM’s XI, to get his third chance at opening for Australia.

Bancroft last played for Australia in the opening two Test of the 2019 Ashes, making his own return after a suspension for his involvement in the sandpaper scandal in South Africa, but was dropped and has not even made a touring squad since.

While Test great Ian Healy suggested Warner’s 164 in the first Test in Perth was evidence he could go on for another year, the veteran has made it clear he wants to go out with a bang at the SCG, opening the door for Bancroft.

One of his rivals for the spot, Marcus Harris, doesn’t have a Big Bash contract but will play Pakistan for a Victorian XI in a practice match in Melbourne this week.

Cameron Bancroft made a big impact for the Sydney Thunder. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

But Bancroft is not getting lost in the opportunity that remains out of his control, content to focus his efforts on getting wins for the Thunder.

“I’ve said many times that it would be an honour to represent my country again,” Bancroft said.

“Like all players, you dream of playing for Australia and I’d love to do that again.

“It’s something that I don’t have control over, but what I can do is just go out and be 100 per cent and do the best I can with whatever team I’m playing for.

“I’ll just keep present with that, keep enjoying my cricket, and I’m sure the fruits that may happen in the future will take care of themselves.

“I’m just going to try to be 100 per cent and do what I can for the team that I’m playing for … and get us to a winning total.

“Unfortunately, it wasn’t quite the case (against Adelaide), but it was nice to play well and get us into a decent position.”

Reigning BBL player-of-the-series Matt Short was the matchwinner for the Adelaide Strikers, with his 82 runs from 41 balls including five fours and six sixes.

He shared a 139-run partnership with D’Arcy Short, who played his first game for the Strikers after an off-season switch from the Hobart Hurricanes.

“I’m absolutely rapt for D’Arcy … he’s admitted himself that he’s had a bit of a lean patch the last couple of years in Hobart,” Short said.

“We all know what he’s capable of, but to be able to give him a fresh start at the top of the order, we loved seeing him come off like that.

“(And) I definitely feel confident.

“Playing for Australia and in different tournaments around the world over the past 12 months I definitely feel confident.

“Playing here in Adelaide is so much fun, the crowd really gets behind us, but it’s just about playing nice shots and keeping it simple.”