Bancroft sacked by English county side
Disgraced Australian batsman Cameron Bancroft had been signed by Somerset in December last year. He was due to play at Taunton for the start of the 2018 County Championship season.
As things have turned ominous for the 25-year-old for the Aussie opener following his blatant attempt to alter with the ball in the third Test against the Proteas at Cape Town, his County side has also dropped him from the squad. Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry said Bancroft would not be the club’s overseas player for the 2018 season.
“I have met this morning with the CEO, club captain, and head coach, and with the club's best interests at the center of our decision, can confirm Cameron Bancroft will not be our overseas player for the 2018 season," Hurry reportedly stated.
“We as a club have been monitoring this process closely, alongside gathering as much additional information as we can.”
Somerset County Cricket Club is also awaiting another overseas player who would replace the right-handed batsman. However, according to Andy Hurry, it is now important to provide support to Bancroft who has been handed a nine-month ban by Cricket Australia [CA]. He also said that he has spoken to the Australian batsman and Bancroft apologized to the club associates.
“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,” said Hurry.
“It’s important we remember there is a young man at the center of all this, he made a poor choice as 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 spoken numerous times to Cameron since last Saturday, he has spoken very maturely. He shared his deep regret and apologized to everyone associated with the club.”
