Somerset have confirmed they will not allow Cameron Bancroft join them as their overseas player in the aftermath of the ball-tampering scandal.
On the third day of the Cape Town Test, Bancroft was captured using yellow tape to scruff up the ball. Once the broadcasters repeatedly aired the footage and even displayed it on the giant screen, Bancroft was seen slipping the yellow tape inside his trousers.
Later, Bancroft along with skipper Steve Smith admitted that the team had pre-planned the whole thing. The ICC handed Bancroft three demerit points. Cricket Australia then banned him for nine months. The youngster is now in for some more setback as he would not play for Somerset this year.
Bancroft was signed by the county outfit in December last year during Australia’s Ashes win over England. He was due to play at Taunton for the start of the 2018 County Championship season.
Somerset Director of Cricket, Andy Hurry, said:
“I have spoken numerous times to Cameron since last Saturday, he has spoken very maturely, he shared his deep regret and apologised to everyone associated to the Club.
“It’s important we remember there is a young man at the centre of all this, he made a poor choice, as I and I’m sure many of us have done during our lives. What’s important now, is Cameron is given the appropriate support. There is no doubt in my mind, he will learn from this and he will return stronger.
“I have met this morning with the CEO, Club Captain and Head Coach and with the Club’s best interests at the centre of our decision can confirm Cameron Bancroft will not be our overseas player for the 2018 season.
“We are currently undertaking the process to recruit a replacement overseas player that best fits our needs and will share an update in due course.”
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