Cameron Bancroft has recently clarified that he holds no issues with the Australian bowlers involved in the Cape Town Test, which gained notoriety due to the ball-tampering scandal. In a previous interview, Bancroft had hinted that the bowlers must have been aware of the ball-tampering 'technique,' prompting a response from the bowlers involved. The discussion around Bancroft's relationship with the bowlers stems from two main reasons. Firstly, Bancroft is being considered as a potential Test opener, especially following the retirement of David Warner. Secondly, Pat Cummins, who was a pacer in the Cape Town Test, is now the captain of the team. Bancroft, along with Steven Smith and Warner, faced a ban in 2018 for their involvement in ball tampering. Although he returned to the squad for two Tests during the 2019 Ashes, he hasn't had another chance since. However, Bancroft has been the leading run-scorer in Australia's domestic first-class tournament, the Sheffield Shield, for the past two seasons. Naturally, his name is being brought up, particularly after Warner's retirement. Even though Captain Cummins isn't a selector, the dynamics between them post Bancroft's comments is of interest. Besides Cummins, the other three bowlers from the Cape Town Test, namely Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, continue to be pivotal in Australia's bowling lineup. Cummins issued a statement refuting Bancroft's claim from a 2021 interview where he had suggested that the bowlers 'can't know.' Bancroft, however, expresses confidence that his relationship with Cummins won't hinder his return to the team. "It's his (Cummins') cricket team; he's the captain," Bancroft stated to reporters in Sydney ahead of a Big Bash match. He acknowledges that Cummins has feelings and opinions, but he believes Cummins to be professional and rational in his decision-making. The resolution of this matter adds an interesting layer to the cricketing narrative.
