David Warner and Cameron Bancroft to return to club cricket in July
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Banned Australian duo David Warner and Cameron Bancroft are set to make their return to club cricket through NT Strike League in Darwin, which consists of both T20s and one-dayers in July. Bancroft would be playing the entire tournament while Warner has committed to play only two one-dayers in July.
Warner and Bancroft were suspended for their role in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. While Warner, who was the alleged mastermind behind sandpaper-gate, was suspended for 12 months, Bancroft, who was caught whilst using sandpaper on the ball, was suspended for 9 months. However, they have been given permission to participate in the club cricket in Australia and also in domestic tournaments abroad.
Determined to make their return to the national side and rebuild their career, the duo would be participating in NT Strike League in Darwin, a month-long Twenty20 and one-day event that features four franchises, which includes Desert Blaze, City Cyclones, Northern Tide and Southern Storm. Bancroft has agreed to feature in the whole month long tournament while Warner has committed to only two one-dayers on July 21 and 22.
"We're delighted that Cameron and David will be joining us in Darwin for the Strike League," said Northern Territory Cricket chief Joel Morrison in a statement as quoted by TOI.
"Their presence and experience will be invaluable for our local players."
After the tournament in Darwin, Warner would be playing for his Sydney club side Randwick Petersham from September. He was also seen running cricket clinics last month in Darwin. He said he was keen to be part of a league that is designed to give emerging players experience against interstate and international talent.
"I'm really looking forward to playing in the Strike League in July," he said.
"I heard so much about the competition while I was in Darwin earlier this month that I'm keen to be part of it."
Former Australian captain Steve Smith, who was also suspended over the tampering incident, would be making his return to cricket through inaugural Global T20 Canada event in Toronto from June 28-July 15.
