Bancroft cleared for grade cricket return

Test cricket

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.”

Australia Ball tampering Cameron Bancroft

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