Bancroft stands firm on his return to first-class arena

Cameron Bancroft made a statement with a patient unbeaten 73 to hold Western Australia's first innings together against New South Wales on a rain-shortened day at Bankstown Oval in Sydney.

In his first first-class match since infamous Cape Town Test, Bancroft faced 235 balls and struck just four boundaries and a six to hold the Blues at bay after WA slipped from 0 for 119 to 5 for 183 at stumps.

Following a delayed start to the day which saw 13 overs lost, WA made an excellent start with Bancroft and Sam Whiteman putting on 119 for the first wicket.

They were the sixth opening combination WA have tried in seven matches this season and the sixth and seventh openers used, but the first to put together a century stand. Whiteman, opening for just the fifth time in 77 first-class innings, compiled a well-made 66 before being trapped lbw by Harry Conway.

Then the collapse took place on the back of a patient build-up of pressure from New South Wales bowlers. Josh Inglis, promoted to No. 3, was bowled through the gate by Sean Abbott for 2 then stand-in captain Hilton Cartwright was out top-edging a reverse sweep off Steve O'Keefe for 9.

Will Bosisto was given out lbw to Trent Copeland not offering a stroke while Josh Philippe was caught behind just four overs later.

Bancroft watched it all unfold from the non-striker's end and survived alongside debutant Bradley Hope.