Banned cricketers David Warner and Cameron Bancroft have signed up for the NT’s Strike League.
Warner will play two one-day games in the tournament, which features both 50-over and Twenty20 fixtures, while Bancroft will be available for the entire event that runs in Darwin from July 1-29.
“I’m really looking forward to playing in the Strike League in July. I heard so much about the competition while I was in Darwin earlier this month that I’m keen to be part of it,” Warner said in a statement.
Warner copped a 12-month suspension from Cricket Australia for his role in the Cape Town cheating scandal, with the governing body painting the former vice-captain as the architect of a plan to illegally tamper with the ball.
Bancroft, who carried out the ploy with a piece of sandpaper which he then tried to hide from umpires, was banned for nine months.
The bans cover international cricket, while they’re also barred from representing their state or playing in the Big Bash League (BBL).
The duo and sacked skipper Steve Smith were encouraged to play grade cricket as part of their punishment.
Smith’s return to cricket will come during a Twenty20 league in Canada, which runs from June 28 until July 16.
Warner, who has made himself available for games in the NT on July 21 and 22, is also expected to return in Canada.
NT Cricket is hoping to sign more high-profile players for the Strike League.
Last year’s inaugural competition included D’Arcy Short, the big-hitting BBL batsman who is set to make his ODI debut on next month’s tour of England.
Andre Leslie
Roar Guru
This was a clever initiative from CA and the players... as it brought some nice kudos and publicity to this tournament. Let's hope Bancroft and Warner also took the time to chat to younger players in the competition about the virtues of playing fair cricket.
Mitchell
Roar Rookie
I like Renshaw as a Qld supporter but I want them both in the team. Bancroft wa our best batsman against the best bowlers in SA and has good record in the English county.
Saurebh Gandle
Roar Guru
Renshaw is making giant stride to take place of Bancroft as Australia Test opener.Pretty tough for him to come up the ranks unless he gets big scores from time to time.
Paul
Roar Guru
great for Top End cricket and for these guys. Win/win.
KenoathCarnt
Guest
I hope to see Warner,Smith and Bancroft back for the 2019 ashes. Warner and Smith are desperately needed without them the Aus batting lineup is practically useless. Bancroft has had most scrutiny and seems to have been written of but I see him as just as vital. In SA he was our best batsmen against the best bowling lineup on green pitches. He has shown great ability to adapt to difficult conditions and in the English county he had a good average and scored a 200! Bancroft Warner Renshaw Smith Head Burns Paine Pattinson Cummins Starc Lyon