May be room for Bancroft and Renshaw

CAMERON Bancroft is set to be named Australia’s 451st Test cricketer, but there may still be room for Matt Renshaw.

The West Australian opener ( above) 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 be named to bolster Steve Smith’s batting order tomorrow 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.

It’s understood WA allrounder Marcus Stoinis would have come very close to making the side, but he is sadly mourning the passing of his father after a long battle with cancer.

Bancroft is fresh from a sizzling unbeaten 238 for Western Australia as well as stoic 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.

“He’s been able to score a lot of runs for a couple of years now and he’s had some time over in England on some sporting wickets as well,” said Starc last week of Bancroft after bowling to him in Sydney.

“He’s come back and doing a job for them at the top.”

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 blockbuster first day against England.