Cameron Bancroft's chances of a Test recall this summer have received another boost after he posted an unbeaten half-century in Western Australia's Sheffield Shield clash with Tasmania at the WACA Ground.
In reply to Tasmania's 439, WA went to stumps on day two at 0-146, with both Bancroft (63no off 167 balls) and Sam Whiteman (67no off 153 balls) thriving on the flat wicket.
With David Warner to retire after the third Test against Pakistan in January, Bancroft is keen to put an irresistible case forward to the Australian selectors to earn the opener gig in the Test arena.
Being the leading run scorer last Shield season wasn't enough for Bancroft to earn an Ashes call-up.
But after opening the current Shield season with a 122 against Victoria and an unbeaten half-century against Tasmania on Monday, Bancroft's case for a recall is growing by the day.
"He's my cycling buddy, so I really enjoy the fact he's scoring runs. We've got more things to talk about on our rides," WA spinner Corey Rocchiccioli said of Bancroft.
"When I first joined the squad a few years ago, he was the one I looked up to with the amount of hard work he puts in.
"He's reaping the rewards because of that."
Jordan Silk top-scored for Tasmania with a career-high 181 off 349 balls in a knock that included 19 fours.
But getting to triple figures proved to be a nervy task early on a day when the mercury soared past 36 degrees in Perth.
Silk entered the day on 99, and it took him 27 minutes to get the single he needed to bring up his century.
"I'm very satisfied," Silk said.
"I don't think I've made too many scores here at the WACA, so it's nice to get a hundred here.
"I'm proud I was able to hang tough in those conditions."
Rocchiccioli finished with 4-144, while Lance Morris returned figures of 2-55 in his return to red-ball cricket.
Barring a big turnaround or a couple of generous declarations, the match appears headed for a draw.
"It's one of those wickets where it's not a typical WACA wicket. You're going to have to find different ways to take 10 wickets," Silk said.
"The quicks, I can't fault their efforts this afternoon. It's hot out there. I'm proud of the way they went about it.
"Hopefully we can get some rewards in the morning."
