Bancroft builds Test case with another Shield century

Cameron Bancroft enhanced his chances of a Test recall by posting another Sheffield Shield century.

Bancroft's 100 gifted Western Australia the upper hand against South Australia in their Adelaide Oval fixture. WA were 377 for 8 at stumps after Saturday's third day of play, a lead of 354 runs over the Redbacks.

Bancroft's latest ton boosts his case to replace David Warner as Australia's Test opener when the incumbent retires from the format in January.

The WA righthander's Shield season includes scores of 100, 57, 91 and 122. Those feats follow his stellar Shield achievements last season when he was the competition's leading run-scorer with 945 at an imposing average of 59.06.

Bancroft's 25th first-class hundred put the reigning Shield champions in a strong position entering the last day. He absorbed 221 balls and struck eight fours in his century, and his team-mate Aaron Hardie narrowly missed a milestone when dismissed for 99. He was given out lbw to Harry Conway after striking 13 fours and a six in his 131-ball stay.

Hardie combined with Bancroft for a century stand before the latter fell just after his milestone against the second new ball, edging Nathan McAndrew behind.

Sam Whiteman made 51 in a 104-run opening stand with Bancroft to continue his good form but was run out by a direct hit from Jake Carder although replays showed it was a very close call.

Conway, Wes Agar and Ben Manenti took two wickets each for the home side to ensure WA never got away from them but they will need to bat well on the final day if they are to win or avoid defeat.