Ban expires, Cameron Bancroft included in Perth Scorchers squad in BBL

Cameron Bancroft's ban for ball-tampering expired Saturday and he was immediately rushed into the Perth Scorchers squad for their Big Bash League clash with the Hobart Hurricanes

Australian opener Cameron Bancroft is set to return to cricket after his nine-month ban for ball-tampering expired on Saturday. Bancroft will play his first List A game after that infamous sandpapergate in Cape Town, which prompted Cricket Australia to impose a nine-month ban on him and a 12-month ban each on Steve Smith and David Warner. Bancroft will represent Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League match against Hobart Hurricanes on Sunday.

"What a journey this has been over the last nine months," Bancroft wrote on Instagram.

"Grateful of where I am and the person I continue to grow to be. Thank you to every person, group, team and community I have come across over the last nine months. You know who you are."

Bancroft re-emerged into public life with an explosive television interview on Wednesday in which he confirmed Warner asked him to use sandpaper to rough up the ball.

He claimed he went along with it "to fit in" and because he "didn't know any better".

Smith also gave a recent interview, admitting he failed as a captain by turning a blind eye to what went on.

A number of high-profile former players have blasted them for dragging the issue back into the spotlight and detracting from the ongoing third Test against India in Melbourne.

Bancroft could make his comeback in Australia's Twenty20 domestic league on Sunday against the Hurricanes in Launceston after being included in the Scorchers' 13-man squad.

"It's great to have Cam back in the squad again. It's been a long year for him and now he can move forward and get back to playing cricket at a high level," said Perth coach Adam Voges.

"He's been pretty excited to be back so he'll bring energy and experience into our batting line up."