Sheffield Shield: Bancroft smashes 138* in first match post ban
Australian cricketer Cameron Bancroft carried his bat for Western Australia in Sheffield Shield cricket. The right-handed batsman smashed 138* in his first match after serving a nine-month ban for involvement in a ball-tampering scandal in the Test series against South Africa last year. Bancroft, who saw his ban end in December 2018, also played in the Big Bash League. Here's more.
Bancroft plays a disciplined innings for Western Australia
Playing for Western Australia, the 26-year-old struck a superb first-class hundred against New South Wales in Sydney. It was his maiden first-class match since the infamous scandal in Cape Town last year. It was a disciplined innings from the cricketer, who was 73 not out overnight. He completed his ton on Sunday. His knock included eight fours and three sixes. He faced 358 balls.
Bancroft needs to keep building from here on
Western Australia rode through Bancroft's ton to register 279/10. It was a fine display by Bancroft as he sent a reminder to the selectors with the Ashes 2019 coming up later this year. The Aussies have struggled to find a suitable opening pair. If Bancroft manages to keep scoring, then he will have a real chance of sealing a spot.
Bancroft opens up on David Warner
Meanwhile, Bancroft, who had earlier blamed David Warner for asking him to alter the ball, said they have been in touch. "Yeah, I've spoken to Dave. I think all of us, including Dave, have been really challenged through this period of time. I know that all three of us have really stuck by each other and looked after each other well," he told ABC.
Bancroft was axed by CA alongside Smith and Warner
Bancroft was axed by Cricket Australia alongside Steve Smith and David Warner. The former was caught trying to use sandpaper to alter the ball against South Africa. Smith and Warner were handed a 12-month ban period for their role in the scandal.
Smith, Warner will strengthen Australia
Australia will be strengthened when Warner and Smith return to the fold. The two cricketers will see their ban end on March 29. They are expected to feature in the IPL 2019 season, followed by the ICC World Cup. Both these stars are expected to play a prominent role in Ashes 2019. One would hope Bancroft plays a part in Ashes as well.
