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          Bancroft out of Sheffield Shield final due to concussion after bike accident

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          Inglis: Finding it easier now to move between formats (1:21)

          The Western Australia wicketkeeper discusses his form, Matthew Wade's retirement and the challenge of Tasmania ahead of the Shield final (1:21)

          • Andrew McGlashan, Deputy editor, ESPNcricinfoMar 19, 2024, 10:11 AM
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              Deputy Editor Andrew arrived at ESPNcricinfo via Manchester and Cape Town, after finding the assistant editor at a weak moment as he watched England's batting collapse in the Newlands Test. Andrew began his cricket writing as a freelance covering Lancashire during 2004 when they were relegated in the County Championship. In fact, they were top of the table when he began reporting on them but things went dramatically downhill. He likes to let people know that he is a supporter of county cricket, a fact his colleagues will testify to and bemoan in equal quantities.

          Cameron Bancroft has been ruled out of the Sheffield Shield final against Tasmania after suffering concussion when falling off his bike.

          The accident happened on Sunday and Bancroft won't be able to take his place in the XI on Thursday at the WACA. His loss is a huge blow for Western Australia as they aim for a hat-trick of Shield titles after another impressive season where he is the second-highest run-scorer with 778 at 48.62.

          He has formed an excellent opening partnership with captain Sam Whiteman and this season they have become WA's most prolific first-wicket pair.

          His absence means WA will have to rejig their opening combination with D'Arcy Short and Teague Wyllie likely to be in contention for the role while Jayden Goodwin could be an option to promote from within the XI.

          Bancroft was overlooked for a Test recall when David Warner retired in January and last week admitted he had taken some time to get over the disappointment. However, he has maintained his standing as the most consistent opener in the Shield.

          "It's been a challenging back half of the season. We've played on some challenging wickets," he said. "It's been nice to fight through some tough periods. I tried to be really consistent."

          In better news for WA, Aaron Hardie has been passed fit to bowl in the final which gives the home side a key all-round option.

          WA's squad depth has been on show regularly throughout the season with numerous players absent on international duty while they have juggled injuries to key bowlers.

          "At the start of every season, we say it's not eleven players who will get you to the final, it's 20-plus who are going to get you there," Bancroft said. "It's a big squad mentality and we push that and emphasise that. It's been a great opportunity for everyone to be part of."

          With inputs from Tristan Lavalette and Alex Malcolm