PERTH: Cameron Bancroft has written about learning to accept that he will be known as a cheat following his role in the ball-tampering scandal and has opened up about his nine-month ban which finishes at the end of December.
Bancroft, who was caught on camera putting sandpaper down his trousers at Newlands, could return to professional cricket the day after his suspension ends if he lines up for Perth Scorchers against Hobart Hurricanes on December 30. He has already been around the squad at the start of the BBL and also caught up with members of the Australia team when they were in Perth for the recent Test against India.
In a long first-person letter published in the West Australian on Saturday, Bancroft relives the emotional strain the events of Cape Town had on him and the challenge of learning to enjoy cricket again which has taken him through practicing yoga – which he pondered as a new career path – and working with a charity that supports children with cancer as part of his community service.
“Many people will judge you as a cheat, but that is OK,” Bancroft writes. “Always love and respect everyone. You will love those people because you forgive them. Just like you’re going to forgive yourself…You know you cannot say sorry enough, but actually it is time you allow your cricket to be about what you have learnt and use this opportunity to make a great impact.”
Bancroft reveals that it was being omitted from Western Australia’s pre-season trip to Brisbane when his situation really hit home, having been asked by new coach Adam Voges to justify why he should be included, and he pondered the possibility of not playing cricket but his return to grade level with Willetton District Cricket Club rekindled his passion for the sport.
“On your way to present your case to your coach you realise this is the moment when you begin to become OK with the thought of never having cricket as part of your life again.
