Communicated with David Warner and Steve Smith throughout the ban, says Cameron Bancroft
After spending nine months in the sidelines due to his involvement in the ball tampering scandal, Cameron Bancroft has made his comeback to professional cricket, captaining Durham. Bancroft has now spoken about the aftermath of the incident, and how he plans to return to International Cricket.
Months after making his International Debut, Australian opener Cameron Bancroft found himself in the firing lineĀ as Cricket Australia dished out a nine-month to the opener, thanks to his involvment in the Newlands ball tampering saga. With David Warner and Steve Smith having successfully made their comebacks in Australian colours, Bancroft has almost become the forgotten man, and is trying to claw his way back into International Cricket.
The 26-year-old has made his comeback to Professional Cricket as the captain of English County side Durham, and has been piling up the runs in his quest to return to the national team. In an exclusive interview to Sportstar, the Aussie opener has opened up about the dark phase of his career, and how he plans to comeback to the national side once again.Ā
Bancroft has revealed that he was in constant touch with the duo of Smith and Warner throughout the course of his ban, and praised the strength of the trio to return to the game.
"We communicated with each other during our whole journey. All of us have gone through the same thing, and have handled it our own way. It has been tough, but we have been able to stay strong and return to the game. Thatās the thing about it," Bancroft said in an interview to Sportstar.
Bancroft also praised the ability and determination of Smith and Warner, who have been exceptional in their return to Australian colours. "David has come back pretty well. [Warner and Smith] have contributed to the team in the World Cup. That shows their determination and talent at the highest level. I am also working hard, so that I can be ready and return to the highest level again," he said.Ā
Bancroft also has spoke about working on and improving his technique during the time he got away from the game, in the hope of adjusting to different wickets. "I think I have worked on being like a more consistent player, really. I practised a lot in terms of technique for the last four months. I am trying to become more natural in my batting, that proves a lot," Bancroft spoke of his batting.Ā
"The areas [I worked on have improved] and I scored in each game I have played. I am scoring in different areas and adjusting to different wickets. That obviously has been good," he added.
The 26-year-old has enjoyed a successful season with Durham, amassing 690 runs at an average of 49, which includes two centuries. He spoke about continuing to pile on the runs in his quest to return to Australian colours, and admitted that he is working as hard as he can to realize the dream again.Ā
"I think as a batsman, everything you do is about making runs, isnāt it? So, I would say that you work on all those parts of the game that will help you make runs.
"Iām waking up each day and trying to get better. If you are not winning you are learning. Each day, I am trying to be more consistent, put more weight in everything I do. Giving myself every great opportunity of going back to my international career, which is where I want to be one day," the Australian opener concluded.
