Cameron Bancroft, the seasoned Australian batsman, remains steadfast in his ambition to reclaim his spot in Australia's Test team. Despite not having communicated with head coach Andrew McDonald, Bancroft continues to demonstrate his prowess on the field.

Bancroft, 32, last played a Test match against England in 2019. His career faced a setback following his involvement in the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, which led to a nine-month ban. Since then, he has been striving to prove his worth and earn a recall.

In a recent interview with the BBC's Stumped podcast, Bancroft expressed his thoughts on whether the scandal still affects his chances: "I would like to think not. I have been outside of that environment, and the coaches have been focused on the current team and players."

Under McDonald's leadership, Australia has achieved significant milestones, including winning the 2023 World Cup, retaining the Ashes in England, and securing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. Despite these successes, Bancroft has not had direct communication with McDonald.

Bancroft has been a consistent performer in the Sheffield Shield, leading the top-order batting charts during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons. However, opportunities in the national team have been limited, with players like Nathan McSweeney and Sam Konstas being preferred.

Currently, Bancroft is captaining Gloucestershire in the County Championship, where he started the season with an impressive 163 against Glamorgan. His leadership and performance in the County Championship highlight his commitment and skill.

Reflecting on his journey, Bancroft said, "Of course, an Australia recall motivates me. I just try to enjoy playing wherever I am, giving 100% to each ball and moment. Cricket is unpredictable, but I remain driven and focused on doing my best."

As Australia prepares for the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord's in June, the question of who will partner Usman Khawaja at the top of the order remains open. Bancroft's consistent performances keep him in contention for a potential recall.

Bancroft's resilience and determination serve as a testament to his character and passion for the game. Whether or not he returns to the national team, his contributions to cricket continue to inspire many.