Former player and coach for Australia, Justin Langer and Tom Moody revealed their disappointment after Cricket Australia had announced that Steven Smith would be promoted to the opening spot where he replaces the retired David Warner. This meant that Cameron Bancroft who has been performing well at the domestic level did not get a shot at the opening spot.
The former Australian all-rounder, Tom Moody reacted to Bancroft’s non-selection in the squad to take on West Indies. He said, “Selection is never an easy task but the oversight of Cameron Bancroft is shocking. His first class numbers are so compelling against his peers it feels there is another agenda which I hope was communicated to him honestly!”
Selection is never an easy task but the oversight of Cameron Bancroft is shocking.His first class numbers are so compelling against his peers it feels there is another agenda which I hope was communicated to him honestly! #Bancroft— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) January 9, 2024‘
The Chief Selector of Cricket Australia also mentioned that with David Warner’s retirement, Cameron Green would make his way into the playing XI where he would be slotted in at the number four position in place of Steve Smith who makes his way as the new opener.
Langer believed that the non-inclusion of the opening batter, Cameron Bancroft for the upcoming Test against the West Indies was ‘disappointing.’
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He believes the Bancroft has ticked all the marks for him to warrant his selection in the Australian side. Langer spoke in detail in his column at the West Australian, he added, “The mantra for all selectors is to tell aspiring players to score runs, take wickets, knock down the door. Be so good we can’t ignore you. Bancroft was given this message. All players are. He has taken the advice.”
Other than his batting numbers, Langer also highlighted that Bancroft can be an asset on the field as well being especially good in the close proximity areas on the pitch. He said, “His numbers are outstanding. Not only has he made a lot of runs, but his fielding in the slips or at the bat-pad is as good as any player in the country. A lot of good judges have pointed to his weight of runs, they are undeniable.”
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Langer highlighted the fact that just like David Warner and Steve Smith, Cameron Bancroft has taken steps forward as he was also involved in the ball-tampering scandal against South Africa in 2018. He said, “Others might point to his past, and a vast error of judgment in South Africa. He, like no other, knows the mistake he made. He has taken major steps forward, just as Steve Smith and David Warner did after their suspensions.
Australia Test squad vs WI: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc.
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