Cameron Bancroft is a good choice as Durham captain, says Steve Smith

Cameron Bancroft had shown “great character” in dealing with the return from his ban and “will lead [Durham] well,” says Smith.

Cameron Bancroft (in picture) will "bring a different perspective to leadership," according to Tim Bostock, the Durham chief executive. Photo: Getty Images

Cameron Bancroft is a good choice for captain for the English county side Durham, fellow Australian Steve Smith has said.

Bancroft is free to play cricket and assume captaincy of any team after having served out his ban for his role in the ball-tampering scandal that rocked Australian cricket in March, 2018. Smith, the Australia captain then, has also served out his period of ban, and is now playing the Indian Premier League for Rajasthan Royals.

Durham’s decision — taken last month — of appointing Bancroft as captain has attracted criticism. Darren Gough, the former England fast bowler, called it “disgraceful.”

'Good head on his shoulders'

According to Smith, Bancroft had shown great character in the way he handled his ban and the return to cricket. “[Cameron Bancroft] is a good choice for captain. He’s got a good head on his shoulders and has shown great character in the way he has come back after his time out,” he told ESPNcricinfo .

He added: “It has 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 gets the game pretty well and has a good understanding of strategy and players.”

READ | Mickey Arthur: In-form Australia can win World Cup

Bancroft will miss Durham’s County Championship opener to attend Western Australia’s end-of-season awards dinner.

Marcus North (left), Durham's director of cricket, has played alongside Cameron Bancroft for Western Australia. Photo: Getty Images

 

After Bancroft was signed by club last year, Tim Bostock, the Durham chief executive, had said he was “an incredibly professional guy, hard working, and I think he will set the right example for the younger guys [in the club].”

'Breath of fresh air'

Last month, defending the decision to appoint him captain, Bostock said, “I think he’ll be a breath of fresh air, he'll bring a different perspective to leadership.”

A factor that could help him settle into his new role is his rapport with Marcus North, the club’s director of cricket. Bancroft and North have played with each other for Western Australia.

“He is good mates with Marcus North from WA and he will know what [Bancroft] is all about. They will work well together to get the best out of the team,” Smith said.