If Bancroft fails to perform, several people will be calling for his head: Mike Hussey

After the series against England, Australia’s next assignment will be a challenging tour of the rainbow nation. The Proteas heralded for being indomitable at home has already established their dominion this season after demolishing the number one test side in the world, India and will be aiming to Test the Aussies in conditions away from home.

And one of the key criterion to succeed in South Africa is a successful opening combination. It is of utmost importance for the openers to see off the new ball so that batsmen following them find it easier to score runs. However, former Australian player Michael Hussey is concerned over the lack of options to open the batting, should Cameron Bancroft fail. The 42-year-old veteran also went on to add that if Bancroft does fail, there will be several people calling for his head.

Speaking on the Unplayable Podcast Hussey opined, “Guess Shaun Marsh can come up to open the innings, he has done that before but that wouldn’t be ideal. Shaun played so well batting at number five and six in the Ashes that I’d be reluctant to make that move. I’d be keen to keep him where he is, he just feels settled and comfortable playing that middle-order role which is really important.”

He added, “Possibly they could make a change with Handscomb going to the top – I don’t think he’d mind, he’d just love to get an opportunity to play. I’m not sure what else they could do. They’ll just be hoping that Bancroft can do the job and get a few runs.”

Australia keep faith with Cameron Bancroft

Despite failing to score a century in his maiden Ashes series this summer, Bancroft was included in a 15-man squad without any other new opening options for Australia’s four-Test tour. Selectors kept their faith in the Western Australian, deciding against calling up the likes of Matt Renshaw as a backup opening option if the 25-year-old fails.

Peter Handscomb is listed as the only other spare batting option from the team that won the last Ashes Test in Sydney, implying Usman Khawaja or Shaun Marsh will move to the top of the order if Bancroft’s poor form continues.