Skip to content

Cameron Bancroft wants David Warner reunion despite ball-tampering fallout

"Absolutely. We're good people, very honest and passionate people," Bancroft says on playing with Warner for Australia again.

Cameron Bancroft and David Warner of Australia walk from the ground after hitting the winning runs
Image: Cameron Bancroft and David Warner opened the batting for Australia before they were both banned for their roles in the ball-tampering scandal

Cameron Bancroft says he wants to resume his opening partnership with David Warner for Australia, despite accusing his former team-mate of being behind the ball-tampering plan that got them both banned.

Bancroft and Warner, along with then-Test captain Steve Smith, were punished after Bancroft was caught attempting to change the condition of the ball with sandpaper during a Test against South Africa in March.

Bancroft was handed a nine-month ban, while Warner and Smith were hit with one-year suspensions, and the 26-year-old has since said Warner was the one who asked him to take the sandpaper onto the field.

Cameron Bancroft
Image: Bancroft is currently making his return to cricket with the Perth Scorchers

However, when asked if he would like to play for Australia with Warner again, Bancroft said: "Absolutely. We're good people, very honest and passionate people.

"Dave, like Steve, all of us, we've all gone through our challenges, haven't we?

"I look forward to a day like that where I can go out and play cricket with Dave again. He's a quality cricketer and someone who's achieved so much in that cricket team.

"As a player like myself, you strive to be around players like that. For my own learning as a cricketer, I'd love for that to happen."

Also See:

Umpires chatting with Cameron Bancroft and Steven Smith of Australia during day 3 of the 3rd Sunfoil Test match in Cape Town
Image: Bancroft was caught on camera trying to change the condition of the ball with sandpaper during Australia's Test in Cape Town

Bancroft, who revealed he nearly quit cricket during his time out from the sport to become a yoga teacher, has recently returned from his ban and is currently playing for the Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League.

The wicketkeeper-batsman, who has played eight Tests for his country, is also looking forward to a stint in county cricket with Durham later this year.

"I just love playing cricket - regardless of the Ashes, it was something I was really keen to do," Bancroft said about his decision to move to the Emirates Riverside.

"I've missed a chunk of domestic cricket and come the end of the cricket season I'll just be keen to get over there and continue to improve and enjoy this great game."

Around Sky