‘‘I think I’ve had a lot of distractions probably, obstacles that I’ve had to deal with in my career so far,’’ he said.

‘‘I spent a lot of time away from home, which is challenging. I think the moment I touched down in Perth and got home, you tend to relax ... when I’ve gone out in the middle it’s just been nice to concentrate on my processes.

‘‘I feel like I’m playing really well. In the Shield I’ve got out a couple of strange ways so far this season ... [but] I’m hitting the ball quite nicely down the ground, which I think is a good sign for me.

‘‘If I’m doing that, I think I’m setting myself up to make some runs.’’

Bancroft added that he wasn’t concerned about his technique after being targeted on his pads and twice caught at leg gully in the Shield.

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‘‘If they want to keep bowling on my hip, no worries,’’ he said. ‘‘I’ll get some opportunities to hit some other gaps that are presented in the field.’’

Bancroft’s ability to graft in tough conditions earned him high praise during the Ashes from former Test skipper Steve Waugh, who suggested Australia should stick with him as Warner’s opening partner for the long term.

‘‘I think it’s probably one of the greatest strengths of my batting,’’ Bancroft said.

‘‘It’s something that I’ve got really good confidence in. Every time I go out to bat, I look to dig in and face as many balls as I can. The longer you’re out there, the more runs you can score.’’

AAP