Bancroft’s brilliance gives WA the edge

CAMERON Bancroft continued his late charge for an Ashes berth yesterday with an unbeaten 161 for Western Australia in their Sheffield Shield match against South Australia.

His knock at the WACA Ground comes off the back of a 76 not out and 86 a week ago against NSW’s Test attack.

The No.6 spot in the Australian line-up appears the most likely way in for the opener, who would contend with the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Jake Lehmann and Hilton Cartwright for the role.

While Matthew Renshaw has failed to impress for Queensland as an opener this season, it is thought the selectors are likely to consider his otherwise good recent form for the national side.

Bancroft has also taken the gloves for his side’s past two shield games and coach Justin Langer has backed him to to play behind the stumps for Australia if asked.

There’s no questioning Bancroft’s work with the bat.

The 24-year-old brought up his 11th first-class century on day one at the WACA Ground, putting the Redbacks bowlers to the sword on a tame pitch. He helped take WA to 5-381 at stumps. Will Bosisto is eight not out.

Earlier fellow Test hopefuls Shaun Marsh (17) and Cartwright (35) failed to fire.

Captain Mitch Marsh did, rocketing to 95 before attempting one too many pull shots and getting caught behind off Daniel Worrall. He had hooked two short balls for six that over.

Shaun Marsh chopped on a ball from Joe Mennie.