Cameron Bancroft has been ruled out of the Sheffield Shield final against Tasmania after suffering a concussion when falling off his bike.
Bancroft was involved in a collision on Sunday, and he will be unable to play in the XI at the WACA on Thursday. His loss is a significant setback for Western Australia, who are aiming for a hat-trick of Shield wins following another strong season in which he is the second-highest run-scorer with 778 at 48.62.
He has forged a solid opening partnership with captain Sam Whiteman, and this season, they have been Western Australia’s most prolific first-wicket combo.
His absence means WA will have to rejig their opening combination, with D’Arcy Short and Teague Wyllie expected to compete for the post, while Jayden Goodwin might be promoted from within the XI.
Bancroft was passed over for a Test return after David Warner retired in January, and he revealed last week that it took some time to get over the heartbreak. However, he has remained the Shield’s most consistent 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.”
In brighter news for WA, Aaron Hardie has been cleared to bowl in the final, giving the home team a valuable all-round alternative.
WA’s roster depth has been on display several times this season, with many players out on international duty and key bowlers out injured.
“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.”
