(Image Source: Reuters)
[Saba Sports News] Australian cricket icon Tom Moody has openly expressed his disappointment over the non-selection of Cameron Bancroft for Australia’s two-Test series against the West Indies starting January 17.
This follows David Warner’s retirement and the search for his replacement. Steven Smith is set to open with Usman Khawaja, marking his debut as an opener in Test cricket, which moves Cameron Green into the number four position. Additionally, Matthew Renshaw has been recalled to the 13-member squad as an extra batter, suggesting he could be a future opener over Marcus Harris and Bancroft. Earlier, Warner had advocated for Harris as his successor.
Moody shared his concerns on a social media platform, questioning the decision to overlook Bancroft. He wrote, “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.”
Bancroft’s first-class cricket statistics are noteworthy, with over 9,000 runs from 146 matches, including 25 centuries at an average of 39.04. However, his Test career was disrupted by a nine-month suspension following the 2018 sandpaper scandal. His last Test appearance was in the 2019 Ashes series.
The Australian Test squad against the West Indies includes Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, and Mitchell Starc.