Bancroft in Test debut
CAMERON Bancroft is set to be named Australia’s 451st Test cricketer, but there may be room for Matt Renshaw.
The West Australian opener has amassed an irresistible case for an Ashes call-up after knocking the door down in the Sheffield Shield, and it’s expected he will tomorrow be named to bolster Steve Smith’s batting order in Brisbane.
Peter Nevill is tipped to return to the wicketkeeping post in a move that looks as though it could end Matthew Wade’s international career.
Bancroft is fresh from a sizzling unbeaten 238 for Western Australia as well as knocks of 76 not out and 86 against the Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins-led NSW attack the week before.
The 24-year-old is a player selectors have had their eye on for at least three years, and a winter in English county cricket has steeled him for battle against the Old Enemy.
Word has already seeped out that a former Test great has been summonsed to hand out a new cap at a ceremony before next Thursday’s first day at the Gabba.
“Someone whispered to me yesterday that a former Australian captain has been invited to the first Test in Queensland with the purpose of presenting a baggy green, which only happens when someone is making a debut,” said commentator Garry Lyon on SEN radio.
The mood of Renshaw at an impromptu net session yesterday facing Starc, Cummins, Hazlewood and Jackson Birds in Brisbane suggested he is a man that could get a second chance.
Renshaw was spoken to by high performance manager Pat Howard and watched over by coach Darren Lehmann.
If they go with a plan of Bancroft at No.6 it means they would be going in without an all-rounder in the middleorder. Bancroft could be being groomed as a future opener, given it’s his preferred position at state level.
Marcus Stoinis is a favourite of selectors. They view him as their best all-rounder and admire his ability to fire in pressure situations after a big year in one-day cricket.
Likely Australia XI: David Warner, Matt Renshaw, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith (capt), Peter Handscomb, Cameron Bancroft, Peter Nevill, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.