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Cricket News: Cameron Bancroft debate – Is the opener unlucky to miss out? | Cameron Bancroft misses out on Australia selection for West Indies series
Steve Smith will be Australia’s next Test opener after the selectors opted for the experienced batsman to replace David Warner. Cameron Green, who was also a strong contender for the opening slot, will return to the team and bat at number four.
In other changes, 27-year old Matt Renshaw has made the West Indies squad. This means Cameron Bancroft, who has been magnificent in Sheffield Shield cricket over the past two seasons, has missed out on selection altogether.
In the end, the selectors opted for a move for Smith in an attempt to rediscover his best form. Recent months have been lean pickings by Smith’s lofty standards. In fact, since the start of the 2023 Ashes, Smith has scored 567 runs at an average of 37.8.
However, it has prompted debate far and wide in Australia as to whether Bancroft has been hard done by. Some fans believe that Bancroft’s comments on the ball tampering scandal in 2021 has meant his chances of selection were always going to be slim. However, it has been reported that Pat Cummins rang Cameron Bancroft to let him know that his non-selection had nothing to do with Cape Town in 2018. Also, selector George Bailey denied that the ball tampering saga had anything to do with their decision.
After all, the opener’s numbers have been superb in recent times and he could not have raised his hand any higher. Since the start of the 2022/23 Shield season, Bancroft has struck 1,457 runs at an average of 58.28, leading the run-scoring chart in both campaigns.
That being said, Cameron Green’s inclusion at number four could also catapult the all-rounder’s Test career. In 15 Shield matches batting at four, Green has smashed 1,413 runs at a superb average of 64.22. This includes six fifties, four hundreds, and a top score of 251.
Fans weigh in on the Cameron Bancroft debate
Fans and pundits shared their thoughts on social media over recent days, sparking debates on whether Bancroft was hard done by. Former cricketer Tom Moody was particularly critical of Bancroft’s exclusion. Here is a look at some of the reactions.
Arguments for Cameron Bancroft’s inclusion:
Support of the Australian selectors’ decision:
Australia’s Test series against West Indies kicks off on January 17 at Adelaide. The second Test will begin on January 25 in a day/night Test at the Gabba. The last time West Indies won a Test in Australia was way back in 1997, with the Australians winning 14 of 16 Tests since.
