Gilchrist backs Bancroft to be Test opener

Cricket365
August 31, 2015

Former Australia wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist has thrown his name behind Cameron Bancroft to be the next Test opener for the Baggy Green, saying the 22-year-old is the perfect replacement for Chris Rogers.

With Rogers retiring after the Ashes Tests, the spot at the top alongside David Warner is open, and while the likes of Shaun Marsh and Joe Burns are prominent, Bancroft has been gaining traction thanks to a ton for Australia A recently.

The Warriors batsman is uncapped at international level, but Gilchrist feels the youngster's temperament and solid technique is similar to Rogers, and would work well alongside Warner.

Gilchrist told The West Australian: "He’s been selected in the Australia A team, which is usually an acknowledgement that you are in contention.

"Not only that, but he went away and scored some big runs. That’s what has been lacking at the top of the order consistently.

"Particularly now that the most consistent has just left in Rogers. Not just getting 100s, but going on and getting some bigger totals and that’s just batting time.

"That’s probably something we've lost the habit of. He’s shown he is prepared to knuckle down and do that."

Western Australia coach Justin Langer agreed with 'Gilly', saying on Fox Sports: "Players who ended up being great players started at a pretty young age.

"Ultimately they probably get dropped once or twice along the way, but get him in there and get him a taste and I'm sure he'll be better for the experience."