I see myself potentially being able to get back into the Test side: Peter Handscomb

Peter Handscomb. (Photo Source: BCCI)

Peter Handscomb has expressed his willingness to focus on Test cricket and put aside T20 cricket, in order to make a comeback to Australia’s Test team. The 32-year-old batter is currently in England for a full multi-format season with Leicestershire, both this year and the next. Handscomb has played 20 Tests for Australia and has an average score of 37.20. However, his last Test match was in March 2023 in India. He is determined to wear the baggy green once again and sees this as a great opportunity to showcase his skills.

It’s uncommon for overseas international cricketers to commit to a whole summer of county cricket in the current era, but Handscomb is willing to take the chance. However, he is aware of the challenges that come with such a jampacked career. Interestingly, he also mentioned the coincidence of his parents being English and him being able to secure the English county contract.

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“I see myself potentially being able to get back into the Test side. I’m not pushing the T20s and probably not pushing one-dayers anymore. To push my case with the red-ball cricket over here, it’s a strong thing I want to do. It’s not an easy thing to go into if your form dips quite quickly. You can go from playing all the tournaments to playing none. That scares me a little bit in not having that security. I’m lucky in having two English parents and an English passport, so coming over to play county cricket can be an easier option,” said Handscomb as quoted by BBC Sport.

It’s nice to be able to come back into an environment I already know: Handscomb

The right-handed batter had an impressive performance in Division Two last summer, averaging 45.40. In the current Championship season, he has already recorded two half-centuries from three innings. Handscomb played a crucial role in leading the Foxes to the One-Day Cup final last year and helped them finish fourth in Division Two. This year, after three drawn games, the team is currently placed third and he might sense real progression.

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“It’s nice to be able to come back into an environment I already know, having played for a few counties where you pop in for a stint. To come back and see how everyone is progressing and what they’re doing on and off the field is really nice,” he added.