Australia batter Cameron Bancroft will be unavailable for the upcoming Sheffield Shield Final against Tasmania after he sustained injuries from a cycling accident. Bancroft, who is an opening batter, is also a passionate cyclist. On March 17 (Sunday), Bancroft sustained injuries to his head after falling from a cycle. Bancroft was tested for concussion and the doctor advised him to stay away from cricket for a brief period. Thus, Bancroft will miss the Sheffield Shield Final.
Major loss for Western Australia
Cameron Bancroft has been an important batter for Western Australia. He’s not only their leading run scorer but he is also the second-highest run scorer this season. Over the last five seasons in the Sheffield Shield, the stylish right-handed batter has scored more than 3,000 runs, more than any other batter in the competition.
Western Australia eyeing their third title
Western Australia have won the Sheffield Shield competitions for two seasons in a row, and now they are eyeing their third title but Bancroft’s absence has made it challenging for the champions to defend their title.
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Bancroft was one of their main batters, who stood tall in the crisis on tricky pitches. Bancroft has scored 778 runs at an average of 48.6 in this ongoing season 2023-24.
Western Australia will be the first team to win both titles
If Western Australia wins the Sheffield Shield final match, then they will become the first team in Australia’s domestic cricket to win both the One-Day Cup title and the Sheffield Shield for three years in a row.
When it comes to Bancroft's replacement, Western Australia will have to choose between Teague Wyllie and Cooper Connolly to open the innings in the final.
Win against Victoria
Western Australia secured their place and also bagged the hosting rights for the title clash after they defeated Victoria by 138 runs. Western Australia gave a target of 269 to Victoria, who went from 97/4 to 130 all out giving the former a memorable win. The defending champions reached the finals and got the hosting rights for the third straight year.
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