Former Australia opener Justin Langer has admitted that it will be ‘crazy’ not to retain incumbent opener Cameron Bancroft for the upcoming tour to South Africa.
Bancroft’s place in the side in under threat after a poor show in the Magellan Ashes averaging only 25.27 with the highest score of 82.
However, he has received backing from coach Darren Lehman and captain Steven Smith after their 4-0 triumph.
Bancroft faced severe problems against short-pitch deliveries during the Ashes, and there will be no place to hide in front of a bowling attack of Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada, Vernon Philander, and Morne Morkel.
Steyn injured his left heel in the recent Test win over India but hopes to be fit for the four-Test series against Australia, starting on March 1.
Western Australia coach Langer is confident that Bancroft can rectify his mistakes before the tour to Rainbow Nation and urged the selectors to retain him.
“That’s absolute rubbish,” Langer stated of the talk that Bancroft should be replaced.
“They’ve just won 4-0 in an Ashes series. He’s had two 100-run opening partnerships and a 50-run opening partnership (with David Warner).There’s a massive upside to Cameron Bancroft,” Langer said.
“He’s tough, he works his backside off and he gets on and does the job. There are no frills about him. He has to go to South Africa. It would be absolutely crazy after that brilliant series – and really close-knit, closely-gelled team – for Cameron Bancroft not to go to South Africa,” Langer concluded.
Here is the newsfeed:
Australia to guard ODI Batting Collapses: Aaron Finch
Australia to rest pacer from opening ODIs