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Because Cameron
Bancroft fell from his bike and sustained a concussion, he is not allowed to
play in the Sheffield Shield final versus Tasmania.
Due to the Sunday accident, Bancroft will not be able to play in the starting
lineup at the WACA on Thursday. His departure is a major setback for Western
Australia, who are gunning for a hat-trick of Shield titles following yet
another stellar season in which he ranks second in the league in run average
(778 at 48.62).
Together with skipper Sam Whiteman, he has established an outstanding opening
partnership that has made them WA’s most productive first-wicket combination
this season.
Due to his absence,
WA will need to adjust their starting lineup. Jayden Goodwin might be promoted
from within the starting XI, and D’Arcy Short and Teague Wyllie are likely to
compete for the position.
When David Warner resigned in January, Bancroft was passed over for a Test
recall; he recently acknowledged that it had taken him some time to move past
the setback. Still, he has held his position as the Shield’s most reliable
opener.
“It’s been a challenging back half of the season. We’ve played on some challenging
wickets,” he said. “It’s been nice to fight through some tough
periods. I tried to be really consistent.”
Better news for
Western Australia: Aaron Hardie has been cleared to bowl in the championship
game, providing the home team with a vital all-around option.
The depth of WA’s team has been seen on many occasions this season as they have
managed the injuries to important bowlers while missing a number of players for
international action.
“At the start of every season, we say it’s not eleven players who will get
you to the final, it’s 20-plus who are going to get you there,” Bancroft
said. “It’s a big squad mentality and we push that and emphasise that.
It’s been a great opportunity for everyone to be part of.”