Australian Test captain Pat Cummins called Cam Bancroft to put his mind at ease after he was overlooked for the West Indies series.
The Western Australian was not selected in the 13-man squad for the two-Test series with selectors preferring to go with Steve Smith as the side’s new opener, with Cam Green replacing him at no.4 and Matt Renshaw included as the reserve batsman.
It has been a central topic of conversation given Bancroft’s supreme Sheffield Shield form, not only this season, but across the last few campaigns.
Many believe that Bancroft has been frozen out of the national side due to his role in the ‘Sandpapergate’ saga back in 2018, however, his manager Ben Tippett insists that the opener has not been ostracised.
Recent conversations with chief selector George Bailey as well as skipper Cummins have insisted that Bancroft has certainly not been blacklisted.
“It’s certainly something that goes through your mind and so much so that I actually called George a month ago and asked that very question,” Tippett told SEN’s Sportsday.
“I was categorically told there was no issue. Cam even asked that question when he spoke to George and again was told that it’s nothing that has ever been brought up in a selection meeting.
“It was actually good. Pat Cummins even called Cam and just made sure that he knew that there was no issue from the players.
“I can say, and I truly believe, that none of the guys have any issue there. That’s something we’ve had time to address and ask the question about numerous times.
“I do believe George on that one.”
While Tippett admits it will be difficult for Bancroft to move past this latest setback, he is confident the 31-year-old has the temperament to focus on his cricket and continue to place pressure on the Aussie selectors.
“It’s hard to move on because Cam truly believes that he’s done everything and deserves to be selected,” he added.
“You always search for a reason, don’t you? So, he will definitely move on because he’s that type of guy.
“I think there’ll be a bit of fire in the belly for a little while, but he will move on.”
Bancroft will next be in action for the Thunder against the Sixers in the BBL’s Sydney Smash at the SCG on Friday night.
The first Test between Australia and the West Indies at the Adelaide Oval kicks off on January 17.
Listen to the full chat with Bancroft’s manager Tippett below:
