Advertisement

Why 'naive and desperate' Bancroft decided to cheat

A leading cricket official has backed banned former test star Cameron Bancroft to “bounce back”, saying the blame for ‘Sandpapergate’ lies elsewhere.

The light at the end of the tunnel is drawing ever closer for Bancroft but debate continues to rage about his culpability on that dark day in Cape Town.

Bancroft’s nine-month suspension for his role in the ball-tampering scandal elapses on December 29.

‘LOST THE PLOT’: Aussie greats unload on ’embarrassing’ Kohli

FEEL THE BURN: Paine comeback stops sledging Kohli in his tracks

HIGH DRAMA: Kohli’s superb innings in controversy

THE GOAT: Cricket world in awe as Lyon matches Murali feat

He is set to return to top-level cricket the following day in the BBL when Perth Scorchers face Hobart Hurricanes in Launceston.

Matthews has backed Bancroft to bounce back from his ban. Pic: Getty
Matthews has backed Bancroft to bounce back from his ban. Pic: Getty

Bancroft’s reintegration into the Australian setup took a further step last week when he spoke with national skipper Tim Paine while the Test squad trained at the WACA Ground.

WACA chief Christina Matthews said on Sunday that Bancroft had completed “at least double” his required 100 hours of community service, working with young cancer patients and spending time at disadvantaged schools.

Matthews has worked closely with Bancroft and expects the opener to bounce back but she remains disappointed by the position the 25-year-old was put in by former captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner.

“I think he was naive and desperate to belong and so he was caught in a position of ‘what do I do?’,” Matthews told SEN radio.

“And I think that’s the real indictment. When your captain kind of knows what’s going on and doesn’t stop it and your vice-captain’s involved, you go ‘where do I go’?

Bancroft greeted the Aussie team before the Perth Test. Pic: Getty
Bancroft greeted the Aussie team before the Perth Test. Pic: Getty

“His responsibility was to say no but for whatever reason he felt that he couldn’t. He’s done everything he can since to take responsibility and make the most of it.

“I think he’s learnt a lot about himself and what he stands for.

“He’ll forever have to live with it no matter how good his career is or how bad his career is. But there’s no doubt he’ll bounce back.”

Bancroft has captained his club cricket team, taken up yoga and learnt how to speak Spanish during his suspension.

Matthews said Bancroft had learned plenty from the experience and had no doubt he could handle returning to the spotlight.