Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has backed Cameron Bancroft to open in the test series against India and highlights Bancroft’s consistent domestic performance as a key factor.
Bancroft who has been a standout performer in domestic cricket, is in the running for the opening spot alongside veteran Usman Khawaja with Marcus Stoinis and Sam Konstas also in contention.
While speaking about the player Clarke said, “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.”
“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 hundred doesn’t mean you jump someone that’s scored 12 hundred in the past four years, like Bancroft or Harris.”
Clarke acknowledged the potential of 20-year-old Konstas who had made waves early in his career, but emphasized that players like Cameron Bancroft and Harris, who have been consistent performers in domestic cricket.
“They’ve played first-class cricket for a long time, they’ve earned the right to be next in line,” Clarke added. He suggested that Konstas’ opportunity would likely come soon, particularly if Khawaja retires at the end of the series.
Clarke also expressed confidence that Australian captain Pat Cummins and the selectors have already decided who will partner Khawaja at the top of the order with Green out of the series due to injury.
“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.
India and Australia have secured top and second position in the WTC points table and their five-match series could bring a certain movement in the points table.
The five-match test series will kickstart on November 22 while the second test will be played on a day-night format under the stadium lights starting on December 06.
The third test will be played in the Gabba which will be held between December 14-18. The fourth test will be played between December 26-30 at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The fifth and final test at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3-7 will give a promising dramatic conclusion for the exciting contest.
