New union begins after Shield sledge

Magellan Ashes call-up Cameron Bancroft revealed his new opening partner David Warner had a few words for him in a recent JLT Sheffield Shield clash, but says he can't wait to make his mark alongside the "exciting" batsman.

Bancroft won a spot in Australia's squad for the first two Tests of the series against England at the expense of Matthew Renshaw after amassing 442 runs in three Shield matches to begin the summer.

The Western Australian hasn't played with Warner before but says the dashing left-hander offered a few pointers as Bancroft made twin half-centuries against NSW last week.

"I played against him in a Shield game. He sledged me for four days," Bancroft said with a smile.

"I would expect nothing less. He's exciting. I'm sure he's going to bring a lot of energy to the group."

The 24-year-old was set to make his Test debut in 2015 but his dreams were put on ice after Australia's tour of Bangladesh was cancelled for safety reasons.

He's since been patiently hoping for another chance and his dreams have finally been realised following a blistering run of form that's included Sheffield Shield scores of 76no, 86 against the Blues and then a marathon 228 not out against South Australia this week.

When named in Australia's Test squad two years ago, he was sent a pair of formal pants by Cricket Australia to wear on the flight over.

When that tour got cancelled, he tucked them away in his wardrobe.

But he was finally able to show them off on Friday before flying out of Perth to link up with the rest of the Australian squad.

"I've actually never worn these pants before," he said.

"I pulled them on not even knowing if they were the right kind of ones that I need to wear for this flight. They're a bit short."

Bancroft's game too has grown since he was selected in 2015.

Two stints in county cricket with Gloucestershire have made him a more well-rounded player and Bancroft says he's also learnt to temper his intense approach to cricket.

"Even at the best of times, I'm a really intense person," he said. 

"A lot of great mentors have said to me … why put that pressure on yourself? They're things that are easier said than done but you learn them over time. 

"I've learnt to fail well. I've learnt how to relax a lot more. When you do things like that, sometimes things just go your way. 

"My skills have improved over that time too. I've certainly played a lot more games than I had done then. I've played in different conditions, I've played in England a few times."

Bancroft said he would love nothing more than to open his Test career with a century but will enter the series with nothing to lose, an attitude that has played a key role in his form.

He said it was a thrill being told of his selection dispute it coming with initial disappointment.

"I was just in the change rooms after the (WA Shield) game," he explained.

"I turned my phone on and had the two voicemails.

"JL (Justin Langer) said, 'Have you checked your phone out?' He said I might want to check my phone.

"I listened to the voicemails with high hope.

"I had one missed call from Mosman Park Chiropractic and the second one from Boutique Finance. So it wasn't exactly good news.

"But eventually I got the call, and I was very pleased."

2017-18 International Fixtures:

Magellan Ashes Series

First Test Gabba, November 23-27. Buy tickets

Second Test Adelaide Oval, December 2-6 (Day-Night). Buy tickets

Third Test WACA Ground, December 14-18. Buy tickets

Fourth Test MCG, December 26-30. Buy tickets

Fifth Test SCG, January 4-8 (Pink Test). Buy tickets

Gillette ODI Series v England

First ODI MCG, January 14. Buy tickets

Second ODI Gabba, January 19. Buy tickets

Third ODI SCG, January 21. Buy tickets

Fourth ODI Adelaide Oval, January 26. Buy tickets

Fifth ODI Perth TBC, January 28. Join the ACF

Prime Minister's XI

PM's XI v England Manuka Oval, February 2. Buy tickets

Gillette T20 INTL Series

First T20I Australia v NZ, SCG, February 3. Buy tickets

Second T20I – Australia v England, Blundstone Arena, February 7. Buy tickets

Third T20I – Australia v England, MCG, February 10. Buy tickets

Fourth T20I – NZ v England, Wellington, February 13

Fifth T20I – NZ v Australia, Eden Park, February 16

Sixth T20I – NZ v England, Seddon Park, February 18

Final – TBC, Eden Park, February 21