David Warner sledges Cameron Bancroft during the Sheffield Shield game

Cameron Bancroft may be David Warner’s new Test match opening partner in the Australian team now, but the youngster had to deal with a bit of sledging from the dashing left-hander once while playing against New South Wales in Sheffield Shield.

Bancroft though didn’t mind it at all as he is keen and excited to be on the same side as Warner in a few days’ time and make an impact together at the top of the order in the Baggy Green during the upcoming Ashes.

“I played against David in a Shield game. He sledged me for four days. I would expect nothing less. He’s exciting. I am sure he’s going to bring a lot of energy to the group.” Bancroft was quoted as saying by Cricket.com.au.

Bancroft in sizzling form

Bancroft has managed to break into the Australian Test side for the first couple of Ashes games after showing tremendous batting form in the Sheffield Shield. Three out of the four innings that he has played in the Shield this season read 76 not out, 86 and 228 not out.

Bancroft actually could have earned the baggy green cap in 2015 itself when he was named in the Australian squad for the tour of Bangladesh, but to his bad luck, that tour was called off due to security issues and then he fell off the radar for a little while.

However he has now got himself back into contention again and he reckons he is better prepared this time around having played a lot of Cricket since 2015 and in different conditions too.

“My skills have improved. I have certainly played a lot more games than I had played then. I have played in different conditions, I’ve played in England a few times.” remarked Bancroft.

When Bancroft was included in the touring party a couple of years back, he had received two formal pants from Cricket Australia as a part of the outfit he had to wear on the plane. But because that tour didn’t happen and the players never really got on the plane, those pants found a place in Bancroft’s wardrobe and have been there ever since. However, he pulled them out on Friday while going to Perth to join the Ashes squad.

“I’ve actually never worn these pants before. I put them on not even knowing if they were the right kind of ones that I need to wear for this flight. They’re a bit short,” Bancroft signed off.