Coach backs ‘respected’ Bancroft
NEW Western Australia coach Adam Voges says he will welcome Cameron Bancroft with open arms when the banned opener arrives at pre-season training later this month.
Bancroft was outed for nine months over his involvement in the ball tampering controversy in South Africa.
The 25-year-old is barred from playing cricket for Australia or WA during that time.
But he will be free to play for his WA club side, Willetton.
He will also play in Darwin in July in the Northern Territory Strike League, a limited-overs competition also featuring David Warner.
Voges was named WA coach on Thursday, the 38year-old replacing recently departed Justin Langer.
Bancroft will not be available to play for WA or the Perth Scorchers until late December but is allowed to train with them.
Voges says he will do everything he can to make the star opener feel welcome.
WA’s pre-season starts on Tuesday, with players to undergo fitness tests and screenings.
“I’ve met with Cameron a couple of times now. He certainly has my full support,” Voges said.
“He’s up north at the moment doing a bit of his community service. He’s dealing with the reality that he can’t play first-class cricket for nine months.
“We’ll map out a plan for him. He’s well loved and respected within the playing group and he certainly has my backing. He’ll be ready to go when he’s available.”
Mitch Marsh will remain captain but is likely to play few games for them next season.
The allrounder sealed his spot in Australia’s Test side last summer and is also set to play a big role in the country’s ODI and T20 teams if fit. His absences during the domestic season mean WA captaincy duties will fall to Ashton Turner.
Voges wants to see Turner put his own stamp on the role.
“Mitch has taken his game to a level where we may not see him at all this year,” he said.
“That’s a great challenge for Ashton and the rest of the leaders in the squad to step up in his absence.
“He’s not just looking after it for Mitch while he’s away, he needs to take control of that, because he’ll be leading it for most of the season I think.”