Australia Chief Selector George Bailey says, “Purely a cricketing decision”, on Bancroft’s omission

George Bailey, Australia’s chief selector, dispelled any rumours that Cameron Bancroft would miss Test matches due to the ball-tampering incident in 2018. In Australia’s 13-man Test team for the two-match Test series against the West Indies, Bancroft was left out. Bancroft was the Sheffield Shield’s top run scorer, and with 512 runs so far this season, he still holds the top spot. In 2019, Bancroft played in two Test matches against England following the sandpaper scandal of 2018. When asked about Bancroft’s snub, Bailey responded, according to ESPNcricinfo, “Categorically, no.” Cameron has heard me mention this several times. The panel’s viewpoint has never been explored at any point. It’s just an athletic decision.”

“We don’t have any problems with Cam playing; there isn’t a single team member who would object. If people were looking to that as an explanation, I would be disappointed. “I can only restate to you and Cam that this is untrue; it never has been and it never will be,” Bailey continued. The decision was made to approve Matthew Renshaw over Bancroft. Although Bailey acknowledged that the 31-year-old made a compelling case to be added to the team, they believe Renshaw should be the next batter in line. “Cam has had an incredible record over the last few years, which has made this decision extremely difficult—a line-ball call. His knocks on the door are loud. Think there’s a number of players who are banging down the door and that’s great,” Bailey said.

Even though Matt Renshaw and Cameron Green are ecstatic, there are always guys on the other side who are broken and giving it their all. “Those guys understand what it’s like to be a member of the Test team, and they’re all working hard to return there. There will be more opportunities in the future,” Bailey continued. The following players are part of the Australia Test team: Travis Head, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, and Mitchell Starc. The captain of the team is Pat Cummins.