Cameron Bancroft ended a 364-day drought with an emotional century to put Western Australia in a dominant position after Day 1 of their Sheffield Shield clash with South Australia.
At a time when Shield runs have scarcely been more important as Australia’s top order struggles in South Africa, the former Test opener finished unbeaten on 156, with the Warriors in command at 3/304 at the Adelaide Oval.
The 33-year old struck 17 fours and a six in the 289-ball knock, combining with rising star Jayden Goodwin (108) for a 244-run partnership for the second wicket after opening partner Sam Whiteman fell for one in the seventh over of the day.
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Against a strong Redbacks bowling attack featuring back-to-back Shield-winning opening pair Nathan McAndrew and Brendan Doggett, Bancroft’s patience and penchant for long innings were on full display.
Cutting all-rounder Liam Scott for four to bring up the milestone, the veteran was overcome with emotion, going down on his haunches to process the moment before acknowledging the applause.
He had previously scored 11 consecutive half-centuries without reaching triple figures across last Shield season with WA, as well as a winter stint with Gloucestershire in England’s County Championship.
Cameron Bancroft celebrates his drought-breaking Sheffield Shield century. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
The Redbacks secured a late consolation prize when Hilton Cartwright edged Wes Agar behind in the final over of the day, with nightwatchman Corey Rocchiccioli negotiating the final five balls.
The timing is ironic, with Australia in the middle of their third Test against South Africa in Cape Town – the site of Bancroft’s most infamous moment.
His role in the ball-tampering saga eight years ago saw him suspended for nine months and proved a cruel blow for his burgeoning Test career, having been recalled for the 2019 Ashes but discarded after two matches and not seen at the level since.
The milestone is his 25th century for Western Australia – behind only Justin Langer (29).
24-year old Goodwin brought up his third first-class century to follow on from his second-innings 67 against NSW last week.
The run-heavy Day 1 continues an early-season Sheffield Shield trend of pitches favouring batters, with Bancroft’s score the tenth individual century in just seven matches.
Bancroft had been among the leading contenders to replace the retired David Warner in early 2024, having scored 778 runs for the Shield season at 48.62 with three centuries.
However, selectors opted to shift Steve Smith to open the batting, while he has since failed to get a look in through a myriad of opening combinations that have included Nathan McSweeney, Sam Konstas, Jake Weatherald and most recently Nic Maddinson.