Albion is a hip inner north-eastern suburb of Brisbane, Australia, filled with bars, bistros and restaurants. Its innards also sports the picturesque Allan Border Field, a small quaint ground marked by a couple of historic grandstands.

While it's still technically winter, the notoriously humid city is at its best during the mid-year months where the weather hovers around an idyllic 75 degrees Fahrenheit. There is plenty of sunshine to make those in the cooler southern states mighty jealous.

The focus during this time of the year in the Queensland capital is almost entirely focused on footy - rugby league is the dominant code in these parts - as the business end of the season approaches.

Cricket, meanwhile, remains in hibernation but almost annually important matches are played at the Allan Border Field with the future in mind.

Famously, India star Hardik Pandya was relatively unknown back in 2016 but he made an impact against a strong Australia A attack on a tough wicket to announce himself as a player of note.

Even in the genteel surrounds with just a handful of reporters in attendance, India's notoriously guarded management allowed Pandya just a few minutes in front of the scribes.

But, right now, all eyes are on Cameron Bancroft during Australia A's two-four day matches again New Zealand A. The opener has been somewhat forgotten after he controversially was overlooked for the Ashes tour.

With veteran David Warner's future murky, an opportunity might open up by the time Australia's next Test assignment against Pakistan starts in December. The long break, as the upcoming ODI World Cup takes center stage, means there is a lengthy audition process.

Bancroft started his in Brisbane on Monday, but failed to make an early impression after making just 14 off 50 deliveries. He will hope for a big score soon to try to bridge the gap, which currently sees him seemingly behind Ashes reserves Marcus Harris and Matthew Renshaw.

Typically defiant Warner, who endured another rough Ashes series though his commitment to the cause could not be questioned, has publicly stated that he wants a fairy-tale send-off on his home ground in Sydney in January.

Whether he deserves one is highly questionable given Warner has only scored one Test hundred in the past three years and seemingly is hanging on due to his reputation.

There was an opportunity for Warner to be sent off in style last summer in Sydney against South Africa in the aftermath of his backs-to-the-wall double century in Melbourne.

Things have not gone well since - admittedly in difficult terrain in India and England - but Warner quite clearly won't be moving aside willingly.

A smoother transition was probably missed after last domestic season, where Bancroft scored 289 more Sheffield Shield runs than second-placed South Australia batter Daniel Drew and faced 664 balls more than him.

Mentoring from former coach Justin Langer, who as a child Bancroft had a poster of on his bedroom wall, has helped the 30-year-old play more fluently and he's become an excellent white-ball batter too.

It's been an impressive comeback for Bancroft - who along with Warner - was infamously part of the humiliating Newlands cheating scandal, where he attempted to hide sandpaper down his pants.

Bancroft had to hunker down in his hometown of Perth in the aftermath and endure quips in the streets when he finally mustered the nerve to venture outdoors.

There have been some who believe Bancroft's comments in The Guardian in 2021, when he reopened old wounds over the sandpaper scandal, may have proven detrimental to his prospects of a recall.

Who knows, but all Bancroft can do is once again compile runs and make an irresistible case.

While the mainstream public is oblivious to these fixtures, with the second match to be played further north in Mackay, the national selectors will be closely watching Bancroft's every move.