Bancroft cleared for grade cricket return
Australia Test opener Cameron Bancroft is free to play club cricket in Western Australia while serving his nine-month suspension for ball tampering.
The 25-year-old was granted special dispensation to play for Willetton after the 16 WA Premier Cricket clubs voted 14-2 in favour in an extraordinary general meeting.
Bancroft did not attend the meeting according to WACA chief executive Christina Matthews he was instead practising yoga as the meeting went on.
“I’m pleased to announce the Western Australia District Cricket Council tonight approved Willetton’s application for an exemption to the rule that prevented Cameron from playing Premier Cricket this season,” Matthews said.
“It was strongly debated across a number of areas, but ultimately approved. It’s great news for Cameron and I’d like to congratulate the WADCC on their decision.
“They were put in an awkward position by the sanctions in the first place and a lack of understanding of the rules that applied across Premier Cricket in Australia. But it’s good news for Cameron tonight.
“It was about a half-hour discussion. I think everybody knew the questions they wanted to ask and were prepared to sit and talk about them, and a positive outcome for all.”
Matthew said the WACA expected to finalise the opener’s community service commitments soon.
“Like anybody he has his ups and downs but overall, I think he is in a pretty good space,” Matthew said.
“He’s not far off starting his community service, we have some things lined up for him there and we’ll hopefully finalise those this week.
“He’s really committed to doing that in a genuine and authentic way, and not just a box-ticking way.”
Latest
-
NewsRassie van der Dussen upbeat ahead of T20 series despite contrasting build-ups
South Africa have not played together since March while England had a full international programme over the summer.
-
NewsTendulkar suggests plan to stifle Smith
Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar has offered some advice to India’s bowlers on how to deal with Australia’s star batsman Steven Smith.
-
NewsIndia suffer double blow as Rohit and Ishant ruled out
India will have to do without the services of Rohit Sharma and Ishant Sharma during the first two Tests against Australia.
-
NewsSam Curran stars as England get creative in internal T20 practice match in Paarl
Jos Buttler’s XI coasted to victory over Eoin Morgan’s team, with a second target then hastily set to gain more practice time.
-
NewsKagiso Rabada reiterates BLM support as South Africa opt against taking knee
The Proteas will not take a knee during the forthcoming series against England.
-
NewsOlly Stone ready to ‘bash down the door’ after England recall
The Warwickshire paceman was included in the one-day international squad against South Africa and impressed in an intra-squad warm-up game.
-
NewsSam Billings striving to make sure he keeps place in ‘phenomenal’ England side
Billings and Joe Root put on 103 for Jos Buttler’s XI in a 40-over intra-squad warm-up victory in Cape Town.
-
NewsJoe Root hits decisive 77 as Jos Buttler’s team triumph in England warm-up match
The 23-man squad was split in two for the 40-over practice match in Cape Town, with Team Eoin Morgan challenging Team Buttler.
-
NewsJoe Root hits 77 as England warm-up in Cape Town ahead of South Africa series
England split their squad into two teams for a 40-over practice match.
-
NewsWarm-up match cancelled after second Proteas player tests positive for COVID-19
There will be no intra-squad warm-up for the Proteas thanks to a COVID-19 outbreak.