This time last year, Western Australia opener Cameron Bancroft was mentally shot and fearing for his position heading into the Sheffield Shield final.
Fast forward 12 months and the 22-year-old is oozing confidence as he gears up for the season finale against Victoria in Hobart, starting on Saturday.
Bancroft showcased his growing maturity and gutsy determination in scoring 211 from 567 balls in last week’s Shield draw with NSW.
The result secured WA’s path to the Shield final, with Bancroft winning man-of-the-match honours for his 797-minute knock.
The performance was in stark contrast with a year ago, when Bancroft entered the Shield final with just 64 runs under his belt at an average of eight from his previous four matches.
Bancroft went on to make a golden duck in the final as NSW secured the draw they needed to win the Shield title.
“Last year I had no belief, no confidence, no trust in my batting,” Bancroft said.
“Now, I do trust myself. I’ve slowly figured out a formula that’s starting to work for me.
“The only way you learn is to go through times like I did last season.
“In a way, I’m blessed and glad to know what it’s like to be down in the dumps, and then come through that and be where I am now.”
When WA coach Justin Langer first laid eyes on Bancroft six years ago, he knew he was looking at something special.
That belief was strengthened two years ago when the duo crossed paths again.
“During my first training session here as coach, I saw him get hit a couple of times in the nets and he didn’t flinch,” Langer said.
“I said he’s our most exciting batsman. People thought I was crazy.
“He has a work ethic like Michael Hussey, and he is tough as nails.”
The Warriors haven’t won the Shield title since 1998/99.
And although WA are the holders of the T20 and 50-over crowns, Victoria will start as hot favourites in the Shield final.
The Bushrangers have been bolstered by the return from injury of star paceman James Pattinson, while opener Chris Rogers is expected to overcome a glute strain.
Cameron White was added to Victoria’s 14-man squad on Thursday as a potential back-up for Rogers.
Bancroft said the pain of being outclassed by NSW in last year’s Shield decider would help fuel the team’s hunger against Victoria.
“That hurt and that burning inside can only spur you on and make you want to win,” Bancroft said.
Victoria squad: Matthew Wade (capt), Fawad Ahmed, Scott Boland, Dan Christian, Peter Handscomb, John Hastings, Jon Holland, David Hussey, Rob Quiney, James Pattinson, Chris Rogers, Peter Siddle, Marcus Stoinis, Cameron White.
