Cam Bancroft’s Test hopes are now on life support, with a fourth consecutive single-figure score for Western Australia on Wednesday.

Bancroft made two, after a score of eight in the first, and was caught at fine-leg trying to hook Riley Meredith in the early stages of WA’s chase of Tasmania’s 83 in their Sheffield Shield clash.

It comes as the race to replace Steve Smith at the top of the order for Australia heats up.

Bancroft made a rare pair in the opening shield game of the summer, dismissed both times by Michael Neser. He was the second-leading run-scorer in the competition last season.

Opening partner and WA captain Sam Whiteman was dismissed shortly after for four in a nightmare start to the second innings.

The WA left-hander is believed to be in a three-horse race with Marcus Harris and New South Wales teenager Sam Konstas to fill the spot at the top of the order vacated by Smith, who is set to slide down to No.4.

The 31-year-old has played for Australia 10 times, but not since 2019.