Cameron Bancroft talks about his potential Test pick, return, four Sheffield Shield centuries

Cameron Bancroft’s string of Sheffield Shield runs this summer hasn’t earned him any special talks with national selection boss George Bailey, despite Australia needing an opening batter in India.

But the West Australian, who played the last of his 10 Tests in 2019, is adamant he has “learned lessons” and would be a better player if given another chance.

Bancroft batted against Tasmania in Hobart last week, a fourth century for the Sheffield Shield season, an unbeaten 176 with Bailey watching and he is the undefeated leader in the run scoring division.

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The 30-year-old, who also spent a year on the sidelines as part of a ban for his involvement in South Africa’s sandpaper scandal in 2018, has amassed 767 runs for an average of 63.91 to bring his name back into the national team conversation .

Asked Wednesday if he had had many discussions with Bailey, whose selection committee decided not to send a replacement for injured opener Dave Warner to India for the third Test, Bancroft said they had been rare.

“Not much,” he said.

“George Bailey has been at a couple of our games and obviously hovers around and watches a lot of home cricket.

“Probably it’s pretty easy for all players to just go out there and play well and do your best.

“Obviously the testing team is out in India at the moment… what happens in the future with what I’m doing there and in this space, I think it’s just about being present and playing what’s in front of you right now.

“That’s something I’m really focusing on, and I’m sure all other things will take care of themselves.”

Bancroft had two stints as a Test opener and played eight from his debut in 2017 to the Cape Town scandal before being recalled for the Ashes in 2019.

He played the first two Tests against England before being dropped, with first Marcus Harris and now Usman Khawaja partnering with Warner.

After being away from international cricket for some time, Bancroft said he would be better if given another chance.

“I’d like to think that you improve over time and take the lessons from your previous opportunities,” he said.

“If the opportunity arises, hopefully I’ll be in a better place to play well.

“Right now that focus is really on WA and we’ll see what happens at the track.”