Cameron Bancroft insists his previous comments regarding the Australian bowling attack’s role in the sandpaper scandal “wouldn’t be an issue” should he earn a Test recall.
Bancroft is a leading contender in the race to replace David Warner at the top of Australia’s batting order in Test cricket and has shined for Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield.
However, the 31-year-old was one of three players banned in the wake of the scandal and appeared to throw Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon under the bus with his comments at the time.
When pressed on whether the Australian bowlers were aware of the ball-tampering, Bancroft responded by saying it was “probably self-explanatory”.
The bowling quartet was forced to release a joint statement in which they denounced the “rumour-mongering and innuendo.”
Over five years on from the scandal and those four bowlers remain pivotal figures in the Test team, which could lead to an awkward atmosphere within camp should Bancroft be brought back into the fold.
But Bancroft believes all parties involved have moved on from the comments and it would not lead to any problems amongst the squad.
“I think time has moved past that,” Bancroft said on Sunday.
“I have still run into those players plenty of times over the past couple of years, and I have felt nothing but business as usual in how you interact with people.
“What has happened in the past has been and gone now. I know those guys feel the same.
“The Australian cricket team has moved forward, they have been really successful. I have moved forward with my cricket and career as well.
“I feel like it wouldn’t be an issue if I come into the environment.”
Australia is set to announce its squad for the upcoming series against the West Indies in the coming days, with the first Test to begin on January 17 at the Adelaide Oval.
