AUS vs NZ | Cameron Bancroft ignored for the New Zealand Tests
Opening batsman Cameron Bancroft has been left out of the Australian squad for the upcoming three-match Test series against New Zealand in their home conditions. The Aussies managed to complete an emphatic 2-0 whitewash against Pakistan and the selectors selected the same squad except for Bancroft.
The Australian selectors have backed 13 out of the 14 members of the squad that managed to complete a 2-0 series whitewash against Pakistan for the home Tests against New Zealand. The Aussies were very impressive in all three departments and did not give the visitors even a sniff in any of the two Tests, thereby prompting the selectors to show faith in the majority of the squad, the only exception being Cameron Bancroft who has been kept on standby as a reserve opener for the first Test.
"As we said prior to the Pakistan series we are striving to maintain a core group of players," Trevor Hohns, Australia's chairman of selectors, told Cricbuzz.
"We are backing the current batting line-up to continue their form across the next three Tests," he further added.
Bancroft made his return to international cricket in the Ashes series away in England after having served his ban due to ball-tampering but bot him and Marcus Harris failed to impress and grab their opportunities, thereby forcing the Australian selectors to look for other options in the opening department and the chance given to Joe Burns was grabbed by him with both hands as he played an impressive knock of 97 in the first Test at Brisbane.
"Whilst not a part of this squad, Cameron Bancroft remains one of the standby players. Similarly, depending on conditions, we reserve the right to add a player to the squad at any time during the Series," Hohns stated.
The Aussies will be hosting New Zealand for three Tests, the first of which will be a D/N Test at Perth, the second will be the iconic Boxing Day Test at the MCG and the final Test will be played as the New Year's Test at Sydney on January 3.
Squad: Tim Paine (C), Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Joe Burns, Pat Cummins (VC), Josh Hazelwood, Travis Head (VC), Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, James Pattinson
