ADULT CHAT LINE

REFORMED AUSSIE SKIPPER SUPPORTS CONTROVERSIAL DURHAM CAPTAIN WHO’S HIT FORM SINCE RETURN FROM SANDPAPER-GATE

sandpaper during a Test in South Africa – drew heavy criticism.

But a clearly rejuvenated Smith believes Bancroft could be an inspired choice to lead the side as the trio set about mending their damaged reputations. “Cam is a good choice for captain,” said Smith. “He gets the game pretty well and has a good understanding of strategy and players.

“He has a good head on his shoulders and has shown great character in the way he has come back after his time out for Western Australia. It’s been a tough time for him no doubt, but he’s a good guy who will do his best for Durham and will lead them well.

“He’s found a bit of form with the bat and will be able to use his experience in a positive way. I hope he does well and wins a few games, he certainly has the ability.

“He’s good mates with Marcus North who will know what Cam is all about and they will work well together to get the best out of the team.

“County cricket is a great environment and Cam will make the most of his chance I’m sure to show what it means to him.” Bancroft will miss Durham’s first game of the season, at Derbyshire, because he has a prior engagement. Today’s Division One glamour game is at Trent Bridge, with Dan Stuart Broad and Nottinghamshire hosting England skipper Joe Root and Yorkshire.

Both will have their minds on the Ashes, and Bancroft is just one of a number of Aussies who will be hoping a stint in county cricket will help their ambitions.

Fast bowler James Pattinson will soon be back at Notts, while the evergreen Peter Siddle is sending them down again for Essex to make these two sides the greatest threat to Surrey’s hopes of back-to-back titles.

At the top of the order, Bancroft will compete with Kent’s Matt Renshaw and Lancashire’s Joe Burns – long shots for the first Test in August – when Warner is expected to feature.