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Cameron Bancroft
Cameron Bancroft
from Wikipedia

Cameron Timothy Bancroft (born 19 November 1992) is an Australian cricketer contracted to Western Australia in Australian first class cricket, Gloucestershire in English first class cricket, and the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League. He made his Test debut for the Australian national team in November 2017.

Key Information

As a result of a Cricket Australia investigation into a ball tampering incident during the 3rd Test against South Africa in March 2018, Bancroft and two others, captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner, were charged by Cricket Australia on 27 March 2018 with bringing the game into disrepute, suspended, and sent home from the tour. The next day, as a result of his involvement in the ball tampering incident, Cricket Australia banned Bancroft from all international and domestic cricket for nine months and from any leadership role in Australian cricket for an additional year.[1] Bancroft made his return to cricket on 30 December 2018, playing for the Perth Scorchers in the 2018–19 Big Bash League season.[2] Bancroft scored 138 not out on his Sheffield Shield return as well.[3]

Youth and domestic career

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After playing under-17, under-19 and under-23 cricket for Western Australia, Bancroft played several under-19 Tests and One Day Internationals for the Australia Under-19 cricket team, impressing by scoring three centuries at an average of 50.90.[4][5] In August 2012, Bancroft played in the 2012 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, where he scored the second highest number of runs.[6][7]

He made his List A debut for Western Australia against Tasmania on 16 October 2011 and his first-class debut one week later.

In January 2025, Bancroft collided with Daniel Sams going for a catch in the outfield whilst playing in a BBL match for the Sydney Thunder against the Perth Scorchers. Their heads collided, and both were treated for concussion. Bancroft was left with a broken shoulder and nose, however was able to walk off the field. Sams, however, was knocked unconscious, exhibiting the fencing response, and was stretchered off the ground.[8] Both were taken to hospital, diagnosed with concussion, and discharged the following afternoon. Sams was cleared of any fractures, however he was ruled out for at least the next 12 days under the Cricket Australia concussion protocol. Bancroft was sidelined for "an extended period" due to his fractures.[9]

In February 2025, Bancroft was named Gloucestershire red-ball captain for the 2025 County Championship season.[10]

International career

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Bancroft was selected in the Australian Test squad to tour Bangladesh; however, that tour was cancelled for security reasons. Bancroft and the rest of the team members returned to their respective states.

He made his Twenty20 International debut for Australia against India on 31 January 2016,[11] but did not face a ball in Australia’s innings. It remains his only T20I appearance.

In November 2017, he was named in Australia's Test squad for the 2017–18 Ashes series.[12] Bancroft replaced Matt Renshaw as an opening batsman and became the first Australian opener to make his debut in an Ashes Test since Michael Slater in 1993.[13]

Bancroft's baggy green cap was presented to him by Geoff Marsh. In his first Test innings, he scored 5 and 82 not out to help secure Australia's 10-wicket victory against England.[14] He played in all five Tests in that series.

Ball-tampering incident and suspension

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Bancroft was selected for the 2018 tour of South Africa and played in the first three Tests. In March 2018, he admitted to ball-tampering in the third Test match, held in Cape Town.[15] During the match, television footage showed Bancroft rubbing the ball with sandpaper.[16] On discovering that footage of the incident had been broadcast, Bancroft put the sandpaper down the front of his trousers, before being spoken to by the on-field umpires.[17][18]

At a later press conference, captain Steve Smith admitted that the plan to tamper with the ball was concocted by the team "leadership group."[19][20] The ICC later imposed a one-match ban on Smith and handed Bancroft three demerit points.[21] Cricket Australia then imposed further sanctions against Bancroft, Smith and David Warner, meaning they would not take part in the fourth Test.[22] Cricket Australia launched a separate investigation into the incident as a matter of urgency.[23]

Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland announced that, as a result of the preliminary investigation into the incident, Smith, Warner and Bancroft had been charged with bringing the game into disrepute, suspended and sent home.[24] Warner was later found to be responsible for developing the plan to tamper with the ball and instructing Bancroft on how to do it. Bancroft was found to have carried out those instructions, tried to conceal evidence and misled match officials by denying knowledge of the tampering. As a result, Bancroft received a 9-month ban from international and domestic cricket in Australia and was banned from any leadership role for 1 further year after the initial ban was completed.[25]

Somerset County Cricket Club announced that Bancroft would not be joining the county as its overseas player for the 2018 season, as had been planned.[26]

Return to cricket

[edit]

Bancroft made a return to professional cricket on 30 December 2018, playing for the Perth Scorchers in the 2018–19 Big Bash League season.[2] In the match, he scored two runs from three balls,[27] with the Hobart Hurricanes going on to win the game by 6 wickets.[28] Bancroft went on to make 296 runs in 10 games in the season, including a career best score of 87 not out during a game against the Sydney Sixers, for which he was awarded man of the match.[29]

In February 2019, Bancroft returned to first-class cricket, playing for Western Australia against New South Wales in the 2018–19 Sheffield Shield. He made an unbeaten 138 in the first innings and 86 in the second. Bancroft faced a total of 621 balls in the match, falling 28 balls short of former Australian captain Steve Waugh's record of most balls faced in a Shield match.[30]

Later in the year, he was appointed captain of Durham County Cricket Club in England for the 2019 season.[31] While the move to make him captain was criticised by some members of the public, it was supported by Durham director of cricket Marcus North[31] as well as former Australian captain, teammate and fellow ball-tampering conspirator, Steve Smith.[32] In his one-day debut for Durham against Northamptonshire, Bancroft scored 150 not out off 130 balls.[33]

The aftermath of the ball-tampering scandal and the challenges of returning to professional cricket took a toll on Bancroft's mental health. He openly discussed his struggles, as well as the pressures and expectations faced by professional athletes.[34]

2019 Ashes series

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In July 2019, Bancroft was named in Australia's squad for the 2019 Ashes series in England. He made his international return in the first Test at Edgbaston at the beginning of August.[35][36] He played the first two Tests, scoring 8, 7, 13 and 16, and was dropped for the third Test.

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Cameron Bancroft (born 19 November 1992) is an Australian professional cricketer known as a right-handed opening batsman and occasional wicketkeeper, who has represented in and played extensively in domestic and county competitions. He made his international debut in a (T20I) against in January 2016, serving as a keeper-batter, before earning a call-up to the Test side. Bancroft featured in 10 Test matches between 2017 and 2019, scoring 446 runs at an average of 26.24, with a highest score of 82 not out and three half-centuries. Bancroft's domestic career began with , where he debuted in in 2011 and earned a rookie contract ahead of the 2012–13 season as a top-order batter and wicketkeeper. He rose through the ranks with consistent performances in the and , representing the and amassing over 12,000 first-class runs at an average of 39 as of November 2025. His breakthrough came with a strong 2016–17 season, leading to his selection for the , where he scored an unbeaten 82 in his debut innings at , contributing to Australia's 10-wicket victory. Bancroft's international career was overshadowed by his involvement in the 2018 Australian ball-tampering scandal during the third Test against in . On 24 March 2018, television footage captured him using a piece of to scuff the , an act planned with team vice-captain David Warner and executed under the leadership of captain Steve Smith. As a result, imposed a nine-month ban on Bancroft from all forms of , along with a two-year exclusion from any leadership roles, marking a significant low point that prompted widespread reflection on ethics in the sport. Following his suspension, Bancroft resumed playing in November 2018, initially for and later in with , , and . He was appointed 's red-ball captain in February 2025 and enjoyed a prolific 2025 season, scoring over 1,350 runs across formats, including 796 in the at an average of 46.82. In August 2025, he extended his contract with the club until 2027; however, in September 2025, he was granted an early release to rejoin for the 2025–26 domestic , with anticipating his return in 2026. He continues to feature for the in the .

Early life and domestic career

Early life and youth cricket

Cameron Bancroft was born on 19 November 1992 in Attadale, a suburb of Perth, . He grew up in a sports-oriented family, with parents Frank and Linda encouraging his passion for athletics from a young age, alongside his two younger brothers, Hayden and Justin. The family's support was instrumental in fostering Bancroft's early dedication to , as they nurtured his competitive spirit within a household that also followed closely. Bancroft began playing in Perth, debuting in first-grade competition for Willetton District Cricket Club at the age of 17. His talent quickly progressed through Western Australia's junior ranks, where he represented the state in under-17 and under-19 teams, honing his skills as a top-order batsman and wicketkeeper. These experiences at the state youth level built a strong foundation for his development, emphasizing discipline and technique in competitive environments. He earned a contract with ahead of the 2012–13 season as a top-order batter and wicketkeeper. In 2012, Bancroft earned selection for the Under-19 team at the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup held in . During the tournament, he played a pivotal role in the semi-final against Under-19s, scoring 66 runs off 133 balls to help chase down 192 and advance to the final, earning him the award. This performance highlighted his composure under pressure and marked a significant milestone in his youth career, paving the way for his entry into professional domestic cricket.

Professional domestic debut and rise

Bancroft made his List A debut for on 16 October 2011 against , scoring 1 run. His first-class debut came in the on 25 October 2013 against , where he scored 40 in the first and 53 in the second ( drawn). Bancroft's breakthrough came during the 2014–15 season, in which he amassed 896 runs at an average of 47.15, including three centuries: 103 against Victoria, 129 against , and 211 against . These performances earned him a place in Cricket Australia's national contract list for the 2015–16 season, marking his emergence as a reliable top-order batsman for his state. He built on this success with consistent contributions in the 2015–16 and 2016–17 seasons, scoring 732 runs in 2015–16 and 570 in 2016–17, totaling over 1,300 runs across the two campaigns. A standout was his 193 against Victoria in 2016–17, which helped secure a victory and underscored his growing maturity as an opener. In the , Bancroft joined the ahead of the 2011–12 season and had accumulated more than 1,000 runs by 2017. He played key roles in their title-winning campaigns of 2013–14 and 2016–17, providing solid starts at the top of the order and contributing to the team's back-to-back championships.

International career

Debuts in limited-overs and Test cricket

Bancroft made his international debut in limited-overs cricket during Australia's home T20I series against in early 2016. Selected as a wicketkeeper-batsman for the third and final match at the on 31 January 2016, he did not get an opportunity to bat as Australia posted 197/5, but he contributed behind the stumps by taking one catch off Shane Watson's bowling during India's successful chase. This appearance marked his only T20I match, with no further limited-overs internationals for at that stage, reflecting his primary focus on longer formats following strong domestic performances for . Bancroft's Test career began during the 2017–18 Ashes series against England, where he was chosen as an opener alongside David Warner, replacing Matthew Renshaw after the latter's axing due to inconsistent form. He made his debut in the first at on 23 2017, scoring 5 in the first innings before remaining unbeaten on 82 in the second, forming an unbroken 173-run partnership with Warner to secure a 10-wicket victory. This promising start highlighted his adaptation to the opening role, built on solid technique developed in cricket. Throughout the Ashes, Bancroft continued to open the batting, contributing to key partnerships, including a 62-run stand with Warner in the fourth at , where he scored 27 in the first innings. His series aggregate of 179 runs across five underscored his growing comfort at the top of the order, though scores varied with several low returns amid challenging conditions. Following the , Bancroft retained his place for Australia's tour of , playing all three and adding to his experience. By March 2018, he had featured in eight , amassing 402 runs at an average of 28.00, demonstrating resilience in the high-pressure environment of international red-ball .

Ball-tampering scandal

During the third Test match against at , starting on 24 March 2018, held a 1–0 lead in the series following tense encounters in the previous games, where the series had already been dubbed "Sandpapergate" due to escalating on-field disputes and accusations of . On day three of the match, television cameras captured Australian opener Cameron Bancroft using a yellow strip of to tamper with the condition of the match ball, an act intended to alter its surface for greater swing. Bancroft, acting under instructions from captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner as part of a team leadership plan devised earlier that day, attempted to conceal the by stuffing it into his when approached by umpires and Nigel Llong. Bancroft immediately admitted to the umpires on the field that he had been attempting to roughen the with an "external agent," marking the first such confession in history. In the post-match , he detailed the premeditated strategy to create unnatural movement with the through the day, expressing deep and stating, "I’m not proud of what’s happened... I’ve let everyone down." The incident overshadowed Australia's batting collapse and South Africa's strong response, with the home team eventually winning the by 284 runs. The immediate repercussions for Bancroft included a fine of 100 percent of his match fee and the addition of three demerit points to his record by the . The contributed to Australia's dramatic 1-run loss in the fourth Test at , where momentum shifted amid the controversy, allowing to draw the series 1–1. In , the event sparked widespread public outrage and intense media scrutiny, with headlines decrying the tarnishing of the nation's cricketing reputation and calls for from players and officials.

Suspension and ban

Following the ball-tampering incident during the third Test against in , () convened a hearing on 29 March 2018, where Bancroft was charged under Article 2.3.5 for conduct bringing the game into disrepute, specifically attempting to artificially alter the condition of the ball, and he accepted full guilt. As a result, Bancroft received a nine-month global ban from all international and domestic , effective from 29 March 2018 until 29 December 2018, along with a 24-month prohibition from any leadership roles within Australian teams; this contrasted with the 12-month full bans imposed on captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner for their roles in devising and approving the plan. The penalties also included the forfeiture of his central contract and match fees, leading to a substantial loss of earnings estimated at around A$372,000. In response to the scandal, CA commissioned an independent ethical investigation by The Ethics Centre, whose report, titled A Matter of Balance, was released on 29 October 2018 and sharply criticized the pervasive "arrogant and controlling" culture within Australian cricket that prioritized winning at all costs, fostering an environment conducive to unethical behavior. Bancroft provided during the review, highlighting the of senior players on junior team members, which contributed to a hierarchical dynamic that pressured over . During his suspension, Bancroft engaged in voluntary across regional Australia, surpassing the mandated 100 hours by working with youth programs, including support for children with cancer and rural initiatives, as part of his efforts toward rehabilitation. In subsequent interviews, he expressed profound regret for his actions, describing the experience as a catalyst for personal growth that prompted on , values, and the importance of independent judgment in high-pressure environments.

Brief return: 2019 Ashes series

Following his nine-month ban for involvement in the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, Bancroft demonstrated strong domestic form in the 2018–19 season, scoring 346 runs at an average of 86.50 across four matches for , including an unbeaten 138 and 86 against . This performance, combined with an unbeaten 93 in a pre-tour warm-up match against a XI, earned him selection in Australia's preliminary 25-man squad announced on 14 July 2019 and the final 17-man squad on 26 July 2019. Bancroft was included in the playing XI for the first Test at Edgbaston, starting 1 August 2019, partnering David Warner at the top of the order. In the first innings, he scored 8 runs before being caught by off . In the second innings, he was dismissed for 0, lbw to James Anderson without facing a delivery. He retained his place for the second Test at , where he scored 13 in the first innings (caught by off ) and 16 in the second (caught by off ). These scores across four innings totalled 37 runs, exposing vulnerabilities in his technique against England's seamers and drawing media criticism for his tentative footwork and inability to handle . Bancroft's overall 2019 Ashes statistics were 37 runs in four innings, leading to his exclusion from the third Test at , with Marcus Harris preferred as opener. He was not selected for the remainder of the five-Test series, nor for Australia's 2019 ODI campaign earlier that year, marking the Lord's match as his last international appearance as of November 2025.

Post-2019 career

Return to Australian domestic cricket

Bancroft's nine-month ban for his role in the 2018 ball-tampering scandal expired on 29 December 2018, allowing him to resume professional cricket immediately with the in the . In his debut match against the on 30 December, he scored 2 runs off 3 balls as the Scorchers suffered an eight-wicket defeat. He showed greater promise in subsequent BBL outings, including a half-century of 59 against the in January 2019, helping secure a six-wicket victory. His return to first-class cricket occurred during the 2018–19 Sheffield Shield season, where Bancroft marked the occasion with a resilient performance against New South Wales in February 2019. Opening the batting, he carried his bat for an unbeaten 138 from 358 balls in the first innings, followed by 86 in the second, facing a total of 621 deliveries across both—a figure just 28 short of Steve Waugh's Sheffield Shield record for most balls faced in a match. Despite Western Australia's 244-run loss, the knock demonstrated his mental fortitude post-suspension and contributed to a season tally of 470 runs at 58.75. The 2019–20 campaign presented ongoing challenges with consistency as Bancroft adjusted to red-ball after his time away, aggregating 372 runs at an average of 30.16 across seven matches, with a highest score of 158 against . He showed flashes of form, including a half-century against , but struggled against quality pace bowling, reflecting the psychological and technical hurdles of rehabilitation. Bancroft remained loyal to the in the BBL, playing a supporting role in their semi-final appearance. Bancroft's form rebounded strongly in the 2020–21 season, where he scored 678 runs at 48.43, including three centuries that underscored his growing confidence. Notable knocks included 126 against in February 2021, his second ton of the summer, and a third century later that month against Victoria, helping secure key victories. These performances positioned him as 's leading run-scorer and contributed to the team's strong showing, though they fell short of the title. The 2021–22 season saw Bancroft maintain his momentum with 502 runs at 35.86, playing a pivotal role in Western Australia's triumph—their first title since 2011. In the BBL, he scored 248 runs across 11 matches for the , aiding their retention of the title with a five-wicket final win over the . His consistent opening partnerships provided stability, earning him a shortlist nomination for the Player of the Season. In 2022–23, Bancroft enjoyed his most prolific domestic summer, leading the run charts with 945 runs at 59.06, including four centuries. One highlight was his 23rd first-class century, a 103 against Victoria in October 2022, which anchored Western Australia's innings in a drawn . These efforts were instrumental in Western Australia's back-to-back title win, solidifying his status as a cornerstone of the team's success and demonstrating full rehabilitation through sustained excellence in Australian domestic cricket.

County and overseas engagements

Bancroft joined Durham for the , the first-class that replaced the traditional to the . He scored 537 runs at an average of 48.82 in the tournament, including a century of 133 against at . His performances were praised for providing leadership and stability to the top order, helping Durham secure competitive results in their group. In 2022, Bancroft signed a short-term deal with for the , aiming to rebuild his red-ball form. He accumulated 474 runs at an average of 31.60 across the season, highlighted by a century of 132 against at Sophia Gardens. This stint allowed him to adapt to English conditions while focusing on consistent opening partnerships. Bancroft linked up with for the 2023 season, scoring 456 runs in the as he settled into the side's batting line-up. The following year, 2024, marked a breakthrough, with 720 runs at an average of 60.00 in eight matches, including a career-best 161 against at . His contributions, including multiple half-centuries, were instrumental in 's push for promotion from Division Two. Beyond English counties, Bancroft had a brief with a franchise in 2021, though it did not lead to a contract. He has since emphasized specialization in red-ball , using his overseas engagements to hone his technique for longer formats. His domestic form in has aided these selections, providing a solid foundation for county opportunities.

Recent developments and injuries

In February 2025, Cameron Bancroft was appointed as 's red-ball captain for the 2025 season, a role earned through his strong performances with the club in 2024 across all formats. The appointment positioned him to lead a rebuilding effort following Gloucestershire's improved results the previous year. In August 2025, Bancroft signed a two-year contract extension with Gloucestershire until the end of 2027. Bancroft's preparations for the County season were disrupted early in 2025 when he sustained a broken and broken during a match on 3 January, sidelining him for an extended period. The injury, resulting from a collision with teammate while fielding, forced him to miss the remainder of the BBL campaign and delayed his training ahead of Gloucestershire's April start, though he anticipated full recovery by the season's outset. Bancroft returned to competitive cricket in the 2025–26 season, opening for . In their match against from 4–7 October at the , he scored 48 in the second innings after a low first-innings total. He followed this with stronger form against starting 25 October at the WACA, where he registered 122 in the first innings—his first century of the season—and 58 in the second, contributing to 's draw. In November 2025, he added 76 to his recent scores. In the 2024–25, Bancroft featured in five matches for , accumulating 105 runs at an average of 35.00 before his January ended his involvement. As of November 2025, discussions around a potential international recall for Bancroft remain unlikely, given the depth in Australia's opening batting options and his ongoing focus on domestic leadership roles.

References

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