Bancroft’s Struggle for Runs Doesn’t Deter Waugh’s Faith in Him as Test Opener

Despite a rocky start to the Sheffield Shield season, former Australian Test captain Steve Waugh believes Cameron Bancroft still holds the advantage to open the batting for Australia alongside Usman Khawaja in the upcoming first Test against India.

With options including seasoned players like Marcus Harris, as well as emerging talents Nathan McSweeney and Sam Konstas, selectors face a challenging decision. All-rounder Beau Webster has also emerged as a possible choice, albeit an unlikely one.

In a recent appearance on Nine’s Today, Waugh emphasized the need for experience against India, while acknowledging the difficulty in selecting an opener.

“If you’re fair to the guys that have done the job over the last five or six years, Bancroft, Harris, and (Matthew) Renshaw have done what has been asked of them,” Waugh stated.

“If you’re looking for a bit of a change, obviously Sam Konstas and Nathan McSweeney come into play. But in the first Test match, you’ve probably got to go with an experienced opener against what’s likely the best bowler in the world, Jasprit Bumrah.”

Despite Waugh’s confidence, Bancroft’s recent form has been underwhelming. He has struggled to make an impact in the Sheffield Shield season, scoring only 10 runs across four innings, including a pair of ducks against Queensland in the opening round.

Michael Neser dismissed him in both innings of that match, once on the first ball and again on the third in his second knock. However, two upcoming Australia A games against India A will serve as crucial opportunities for Bancroft, Harris, and Konstas to showcase their skills and contend for the opening spot.

Harris has been set to open in both A matches, but with different partners—Bancroft in the first match, and Konstas in the second. The approach sets the stage for what could be a final “bat-off” before selectors make their decision. Head coach Andrew McDonald told the ABC that selectors would announce the final squad after the second A match, with the first Test slated for November 22 in Perth.

With the stakes high and an opponent as formidable as India waiting, the final choice of Australia’s opening pair remains pivotal. For now, despite his struggles, Bancroft has Waugh’s vote of confidence as Australia seeks to blend experience with potential.