CAMERON Bancroft has again pressed his case for a Test recall after compiling his fourth century in the 2022/23 Sheffield Shield season. The West Australian opener thumped Tasmania for an unbeaten 176 in his side’s second dig on Thursday, setting the hosts a whopping 504 to win at Blundstone Arena.

Resuming at eight down with plenty to get on the final day, the Tigers rolled over in a 383-run defeat. The result sees Western Australia secure its spot in this season’s Shield decider, with the defending champions sitting two wins clear atop the table with as many games left to play.

Bancroft failed in the first innings, falling for one off 22 deliveries, but fought back emphatically to now lead the competition’s runs chart. The Warriors were sent in to bat and posted 300, thanks largely to Josh Inglis‘ attacking ton at number six.

Things weren’t all bad for Tasmania at that point, with Jackson Bird (4-51) turning back the clock, while evergreen gloveman Tim Paine and Jordan Silk produced marvellous fielding efforts. Though, the Tigers lost their first wicket late on day one and would only stay behind the eight ball thereafter.

Tasmania resumed day two at 1-5 and had it not been for late runs from Silk (45) and Beau Webster (52), the hosts would have been all out for much less than their eventual 169. Already 131 runs in the ascendancy, WA put its foot down to soar further ahead in the match.

Along with Bancroft, young gun Teague Wyllie posted an impressive 80 off 191 balls at first drop, while allrounder Aaron Hardie chimed in with an unbeaten 58 to be there when skipper Sam Whiteman decided to declare on 372.

The mountain was a steep one for Tasmania and proved far too difficult to climb, as the Tigers were dismissed for a meagre 120 early on the final day. Matthew Kelly (4-41) was the pick of WA’s bowlers, though fellow seamer Joel Paris proved able support with his 3-34.

Elsewhere in the Sheffield Shield today, Queensland is on track to hand New South Wales yet another defeat at the Gabba. At the time of writing, the Bulls require under 50 runs to win with six wickets in hand on a rain-affected day four.

SCORECARD

TOSS: Tasmania won the toss and elected to bowl.
RESULT: Western Australia (300 & 3d-372) def. Tasmania (169 & 120).
POTM: Cameron Bancroft (Western Australia).

1st Innings: Western Australia 300
Josh Inglis 116 (134), Hilton Cartwright 56 (75), Sam Whiteman 40 (68)
Jackson Bird 4-51 (22), Beau Webster 3-77 (16), Jarrod Freeman 1-41 (11)

2nd Innings: Tasmania 169
Beau Webster 52 (102), Jordan Silk 45 (103), Ben McDermott 27 (36)
Charlie Stobo 3-45 (16.2), Matthew Kelly 2-30 (14), Joel Paris 2-41 (13)

3rd Innings: Western Australia 3d-372
Cameron Bancroft 176* (280), Teague Wyllie 80 (191), Aaron Hardie 58* (64)
Nathan Ellis 1-70 (19), Jarrod Freeman 1-88 (29), Beau Webster 1-95 (18)

4th Innings: Tasmania 120
Beau Webster 30 (63), Caleb Jewell 24 (31), Nathan Ellis 16 (25)
Matthew Kelly 4-41 (11), Joel Paris 3-34 (10), Corey Rocchiccioli 1-7 (2.2)