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Cameron Bancroft’s manager Ben Tippett has opened up about Cameron Bancroft’s non-selection in the Australian test side against the West Indies, declaring no personal issues had a role in the snubbing.
Cricket Australia opted to include all-rounder Cameron Green and promote Steve Smith up the order to replace recently retired David Warner. Matt Renshaw also joined the squad.
In a press conference yesterday, National Selector George Bailey denied the 2018 ball-tampering incident had a role in Bancroft being snubbed.
Claims have circulated that the WA opener may be on the outer due to comments made implying the bowling group had some knowledge the ball was being tampered with in Cape Town.
Tippett told Sports Breakfast he doesn’t believe Bancroft’s comments impacted his selection chances.
“It's questions that we've asked and only because a month ago when Cam was talking about coming back into the team, we wanted to make sure that we did absolutely everything to make sure he got that opportunity,” he said.
“If that meant mending bridges, or having conversations, we were really prepared to do that.
“We've always been told there's no issue and so much so, I know from someone else speaking to some of the bowling group that they were all supportive of Cam if he was to come back.
“I do believe George when he says that it's something that's never come up at the selection table and certainly, again Pat giving Cam a call yesterday reiterates that.”
Bancroft has made 512 runs, averaging 56.88 runs across nine innings this summer in the Sheffield Shield, making him the leading run-scorer.
Last season he also was top run scorer and a crucial part of WA’s Shield title, making 945 runs with an average of 59.06.
Despite being out of the national squad, Bancroft has had ‘sporadic’ conversations with selectors regarding actions he needs to take to be considered.
“We've had a few chats about whether there's anything he needs to do, whether that's personally with relationships or, or from a technical perspective,” said Tippett.
“The messaging has always been there's no personal issue. It's all about making runs and doing the best you possibly can and so that's what he's gone away and done. (He’s) Obviously disappointed that he's put up such good numbers over the last couple of years and hasn't got that opportunity.
“In the last few days, he's had a number of chats, both with George and Pat Cummins, just about why he's missed out and searching for answers there. The bottom line was they thought Renshaw was a better player and someone who can bat in multiple positions.”
Following the announcement, Tippett said Bancroft went through a ‘range of emotions,’ with disappointment being a major one. However, he’s back in the nets and moving forward.
County cricket in the UK is on the cards for Bancroft, ideally for a full season.
“Cam's lucky that he's got a visa to play in the UK… so (he’s) keen to keep going back and playing and we've certainly been in discussions with a few counties,” said Tippett.
“He would love to play a full season and just go over there and do that and so it's just looking at the right opportunities.”
“(He’s) had a couple of chats for short stints, like the one he had at Somerset last year. But he'd really love to get his teeth stuck in and play some multi-format stuff. So hopefully we can get a full season deal.
IMAGE: The Guardian