Cameron Bancroft opens up on life after ball-tampering scandal

Sport360 staff 13:03 30/06/2018
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  • Cameron Bancroft admits he has been on an emotional “rollercoaster” since being handed a nine-month ban by Cricket Australia for his role in the ball-tampering scandal.

    Bancroft was found guilty of attempting to manipulate the conditions of the ball with yellow sandpaper during the third of four Tests in South Africa in March.

    It was an act which led to a widespread condemnation and also saw captain Steve Smith and deputy David Warner receive 12-month suspensions for their respective involvement.

    While Bancroft, the most junior member of Australia’s XI in Cape Town, is banned at international and domestic state level, he is preparing to make his comeback in the Northern Territory’s Strike League.

    The 25-year-old said in quotes on www.cricket.com.au: “Right now I’m feeling really good. The last couple of months have been a bit of a rollercoaster. You certainly ride the waves of grieving.

    “There’s been times where I’ve felt really sad, there’s been times where I’ve felt really angry.

    “But overall, I’ve worked really hard on myself, been really busy with a lot of things and right now it’s just another step forward, heading up to Darwin to play some cricket and I’m really looking forward to it.”

    The ultimate goal for Bancroft is to once again represent Australia.

    He added: “I can’t change what happened in South Africa and that’s something I’m completely accountable for.

    “Everything since South Africa I’ve moved towards have been steps closer to one day getting back and playing cricket for Australia again.”

    He also revealed he keeps in touch with Smith and Warner.

    “I speak to them quite regularly, at least every week,” Bancroft said.

    “Whether that’s a phone call or messages, they’re obviously very busy with some things too.

    “They’re two really great people and we’ve been looking after each other.

    “That’s a value that we really hold closely at the WACA, is this idea of looking after your mates.

    “We’ve being going through all of this together and we definitely look out for each other, that’s for sure.”

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