Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has hailed the decision to recall Cameron Bancroft to the Test squad, stating he feels the 31-year-old batter should open the innings in the five-Test series against India. Bancroft has been in fine touch in domestic cricket and will certainly be one of the two opening slots ahead of veteran Usman Khawaja, where Marcus Harris and up-and-coming Sam Konstas are also in the running.
Cameron Bancroft The Right Choice Of Opener For Australia
“I don’t think it’s fair to pick someone on two games. This is also what I’ve said about Sam Konstas as well,” Clarke said. “I think he’s a very talented player and I love that he’s started the season very well, but just because you get two hundreds doesn’t mean you jump someone that’s scored 12 hundreds in the past four years, like Bancroft or Harris.” Clarke mentioned on SkySports
Percipient Bancroft, who has been one of the brightest stars of the Sheffield Shield for the last two seasons, had warranted many to expect that he should have been picked as the replacement for David Warner, who recently retired from the game earlier this year. Even though the selectors decided to play all-rounder Cameron Green at No.4 and Steve Smith was opening, Bancroft didn’t figure into the plans.
Bancroft’s Consistency The Key Aspect
Clarke is adamant that Bancroft was the choice he would have made above others. Clarke admitted that Konstas was a talented 20-year-old who had caught the eye early in his career, but reinforced that players like Bancroft and Harris who have consistently delivered for Australian domestic cricket should be above consideration. They have been playing first-class cricket for a long time and deserve to be next in line according to Clarke.
Which Players Are Likely To Get Picked?
He further stated that Konstas is most likely to get his chances soon, especially considering that he would have a choice after series, if Khawaja decides to quit.
“I would be very disappointed if I was captain of the Australian cricket team and I didn’t know who was opening the batting right now in that first Test match,” Clarke said
Clarke’s belief that the Australian captain Pat Cummins and the selectors have already decided who will open up alongside Khawaja, especially after Green becomes unavailable for the series.
