Bancroft’s exceptional season as an opener has made him a strong contender for a spot in the Ashes team.
Cameron Bancroft, the successful opener, scored the winning runs to clinch Western Australia’s Sheffield Shield title, capping off a dominant season that puts him in a strong position for selection in Australia’s upcoming Ashes tour.
In a nine-wicket victory over Victoria at the WACA, Bancroft remained his usual composed self and scored 39 not out. He partnered with teenager Teague Wyllie to secure a straightforward win as they passed the meager 91-run target without trouble.
Cameron Bancroft expressed that he was a bit nervous but was delighted to let Teague take a shot at scoring the winning runs. He grinned and said it was a truly special moment he would never forget.
Bancroft ended the Shield season as the highest run-scorer with 945 runs, smashing four centuries at an average of 59. He outscored Daniel Drew, the second-highest run-scorer from South Australia, by 289 runs and faced 664 more balls than him.
Cameron Bancroft’s accomplishments were particularly impressive given the abundance of pitches that favored bowlers in the Shield season, especially at the WACA.
WA coach Adam Voges said, “Cameron has been working towards a season like this for some time now. I believe his technique has significantly improved compared to his previous performances.”
Cameron Bancroft had a 10-Test career interrupted by a long ban due to his involvement in the ball-tampering scandal. His last Test was during the 2019 Ashes in the UK. The scandal had a toll on his career, and he dropped from Western Australia’s Shield team a couple of years ago, leaving his future in limbo.
However, he has gradually revived his career and now presents a more imposing figure at the crease. Although he still possesses the natural ability to wear down bowlers, he has also developed a more aggressive approach and is now batting at a better tempo. Bancroft demonstrated these qualities during the Perth Scorchers’ BBL title triumph after initially being overlooked at the start of the season.
According to Voges, “He has always possessed exceptional powers of concentration and the ability to bat for extended periods, and now that he has improved technically, it allows him to tap into that strength.”
Private Coaching From Childhood Hero Justin Langer Propels Bancroft towards Ashes Selection
Bancroft’s improvement is partly attributed to his private coaching sessions with Justin Langer, his former coach and childhood hero. “Justin was incredibly helpful…he focused on my mindset,” Bancroft said, who competed in all three tournaments this season.
“He shared a couple of cues that were effective for him as a player and which I could relate to. His guidance, experience, and knowledge that he shared with me this season were incredibly valuable.”
Bancroft won’t have much time to celebrate Western Australia’s latest victory as he will soon head to the UK for a brief county stint, although he did not disclose which team he will play for. This move could be crucial tohis selection in Australia’s Ashes squad, especially considering the uncertainty surrounding David Warner’s future.
Bancroft stated, “We must shift our focus quickly from this victory to county cricket. As a cricketer, the desire to play at the highest level is always present, and I’m sure it is for all cricketers. I aimed to end this season on a high note and then move on to the next set of cricket matches I’ll be playing.”
Having revived his game, Bancroft is now considered by those who have witnessed his performance throughout the season well-positioned for a potential comeback to Test cricket.
Voges said, “I believe he should be included in the team traveling to England in the winter. I think the second time around; you’re always more prepared. He will learn from his past experiences and will undoubtedly be much better.”
