Bancroft eyes Ashes return as he takes up role as Durham captain
Bancroft has his sights set on regaining his spot in Australia's Test side
LONDON (AFP) - Cameron Bancroft says he has been "completely accountable" for his role in the Australian ball-tampering scandal as he prepares to make his county cricket bow as Durham captain, with an Ashes return in his sights.
Bancroft was banned for nine months for ball-tampering in a Test against South Africa in Cape Town last year while former Australia captain Steve Smith and deputy David Warner received year-long suspensions. Bancroft s ban ended in December.
"We all make mistakes and I guess it s how you re able to grow as a person, in admitting and being honest with yourself about those mistakes," said Bancroft, 26, who used sandpaper to alter the condition of the ball.
"I certainly have been and, as a person, that s something that I m completely accountable for and I wouldn t have it any other way."
Bancroft, who has played eight Tests for Australia, has his sights set on regaining his spot in Australia s Test side ahead of this year s Ashes series in England.
However, his immediate thoughts are with Durham, where he has been appointed captain for their campaigns in the County Championship and One-Day Cup.
Speaking at the club s Chester-le-Street ground on Wednesday, the Australian added: "The aspiration to play Test cricket is certainly in my mind and where I d love to be one day. But I also can t be there. I m here right now.
"(Playing for Australia) would mean a lot to me, definitely. But I also know that I ve got a lot of great things in my life.
"Even just playing club cricket back home in Perth, it s a game I felt like where you get self-absorbed and single-minded in your pursuits to achieve things but at the forefront is just the enjoyment of it all.
"If I do that then I know the results will take off themselves, hopefully. Hopefully it will happen one day."
