Tom Moody expressed deep disappointment regarding Cameron Bancroft’s exclusion from the Test squad, highlighting Bancroft’s remarkable first-class performance compared to others.
Tom Moody expressed dismay as Cricket Australia (CA) excluded Cameron Bancroft from the upcoming two-Test series against the West Indies starting January 17. The retirement of David Warner created an opening in the lineup, prompting Steven Smith’s desire to take up the opening position.
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Smith’s decision to open alongside Usman Khawaja led to Cameron Green moving to the number four spot, previously occupied by Warner. CA’s addition of Queensland opener Matthew Renshaw in the 13-man squad, labeled as an “extra batter,” suggests a potential shift in the opening order, potentially favoring Renshaw over Marcus Harris and Bancroft. Interestingly, Warner had earlier advocated for Harris as his replacement.
Moody, expressing concern, took to social media to lament Bancroft’s omission, highlighting his strong first-class performance and questioning any undisclosed agendas influencing the decision-making process.
Bancroft, the 31-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, showcases an impressive first-class cricket record, amassing 9000+ runs in 146 matches with 25 centuries, averaging 39.04 and a strike rate of 42.89. However, his international journey faced a major setback following the 2018 sandpapergate scandal during the Cape Town Test, resulting in a nine-month ban.
“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,” Moody wrote.
Selection is never an easy task but the oversight of Cameron Bancroft is shocking.
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) January 9, 2024
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
Australia Test squad v West Indies: 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.
Last Updated on January 10, 2024
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