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Cameron Bancroft To Replace David Warner in Tests? Ricky Ponting Spills Sauce

image-lpl1kd3uWarner was among runs during World Cup 2023 (AP Photo)

As the inevitable retirement of David Warner looms large, Cricket Australia are working around the clock to look for a viable replacement who could fit into Warner’s shoes. Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting believes that Cameron Bancroft is just about the man who could do the job for Australia in Test cricket once Warner announces his retirement in January.

Bancroft emerged as the leading run-scorer in the Sheffield Shield last season finishing his campaign on a high with 945 runs to his tally, which was 300 runs more than the next-best player. Despite being a strong performer in the domestic arena, Bancroft was overlooked for the Ashes Test series in June. 

Meanwhile, Marcus Harris, Matt Renshaw, and Bancroft are the potential candidates to be Warner's replacement in the forthcoming Test matches. They will be given another chance to demonstrate their abilities in the Prime Minister's XI match against Pakistan.

During a conversation with ESPNcricinfo, Ponting argued that Bancroft deserves a test call-up due to his outstanding run in the domestic circuit.

"If you look at those three guys, I think it's quite clear that Bancroft is the one that's got the runs on the board and I wouldn't be surprised if they [selectors] go that way. If you wind the clock back about six months it might have been a slightly different order than what it is now."

On the contrary, Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald is more in favour of accommodating the all-rounder Cameron Green. However, Ponting advises strongly against it and emphasizes that Green should secure his place through strong performances in domestic cricket.

"I think Cameron Green might just have to sit back and bide his time and wait for the opportunity to come back. He can get a truckload of runs in Shield cricket and sort of force his way back into the side."

The three-match Test series between Pakistan and Australia will commence on December 14, 2023, and conclude on January 7, 2024. Prior to the commencement of the series, Pakistan are slated to play a warm-up fixture against PM’s Xl on December 6.