Bancroft to return to BBL action after completion of ban

Perth, Dec 29 - Banned for nine months for his involvement in the infamous sandpaper gate incident in South Africa, Australia opener Cameron Bancroft will finally return to action after being named in the Perth Scorchers squad for their Big Bash League (BBL) clash with Hobart Hurricanes in Launceston on Sunday.

Bancroft, who was banned in March for his role in the ball-tampering incident along with former skipper Steve Smith and fellow opener David Warner, officially completes his ban on Saturday. The other two were handed a one-year ban each.

Following the expiry of his ban, the 26-year-old Bancroft was immediately included in the 13-man squad for the match with undefeated Hobart.

"Everyone is really excited for him to come back. He's been so positive in his build-up, he's been training hard. We're all really excited and really happy for him to be back in the team," Scorchers teammate Jhye Richardson was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

"We saw before everything happened how good a batter he was. I don't think that's going to change, I don't think you can lose it, especially when we all know that he's been training and (playing Premier Cricket). It will be good to see how he goes.

"It's always nice to have him around, he's such a nice guy off the field. We're all really close with him," he added.

Hobart batsman George Bailey said he too was "excited" to see Bancroft back in action.

"I imagine they (the Scorchers) would be pretty excited to have him back in the group. I don't know how the Scorchers feel but I will certainly be one person who would be very excited to see him back," Bailey said after his side beat Sydney Thunder on Friday night.

IANS