Clarke Supports Bancroft as Australia Opener for Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has voiced his support for Cameron Bancroft, suggesting the 31-year-old as a potential opener for Australia in the upcoming five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India.
Bancroft’s chances for a Test recall may increase following a lower back stress fracture injury sustained by all-rounder Cameron Green. The series is set to commence on November 22 in Perth.
“I don’t think it’s fair to select someone based on just two games. This applies to Sam Konstas as well. He’s a talented player who has started the season strongly, but scoring two hundreds doesn’t mean he should leapfrog someone like Bancroft, who has 12 hundreds in the last four years,” Clarke said during an appearance on Sky’s Big Sports Breakfast.
He emphasized the experience of Bancroft and fellow candidate Marcus Harris, stating, “They’ve played first-class cricket for a long time and have earned their place as the next in line. I would be disappointed as captain of the Australian cricket team if I didn’t already know who would be opening the batting for the first Test.”
Bancroft has been the leading run-scorer in the Sheffield Shield in recent seasons and is competing with Matthew Renshaw and Marcus Harris for the opening spot in the upcoming series against India.
