Bancroft BBL return date revealed

Suspended batter Cameron Bancroft is set to return to top-level cricket in the Big Bash on December 30 when Perth play Hobart in Launceston, according to Scorchers coach Adam Voges.

Bancroft's nine-month ban for his involvement in the Cape Town ball-tampering scandal ends just one day before the Scorchers' KFC Big Bash League clash against the Hurricanes and Voges will waste no time reinstating the right-hander straight back into the XI.

"I see a real possibility that he’ll come straight back in for that game," Voges said on the latest episode of The Unplayable Podcast.

"A lot will just depend on how we’re going at the time. There’ll be some opportunity for a number of our other batsmen in those first three games and much will be dependent probably on how they go.

"But I thought Cam, when he played for the Scorchers last year, he did a really good job, batted at three and played some really good innings for us.

"He’s an important part of our squads in all forms of the game, so I see him certainly putting his hand up to come straight back in.

"One thing I do know about Cam is he’ll be prepared. I know he won’t have played any high-level competitive cricket for a period, but it certainly hasn’t stopped him from trying to improve.

"He’ll be ready to go."

Voges has worked closely with Bancroft during his stint on the sidelines and says the 25-year-old has used the time to explore other interests away from cricket.

"I’ve spent a lot of time with 'Bangers'," Voges said.

"I threw him about 1000 balls again (on Tuesday). He hasn’t changed his work ethic in his time off – that’s certainly for sure.

"He’s going well. I think he can see the finishing line now. It’s not too far away until his ban finishes and he’s able to start playing some cricket again.

"It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster journey for him. He’s had certainly some ups and downs. He went to Melbourne for a month and did a yoga instructors’ course, which I think he really enjoyed. He has weekly sessions here at the WACA and puts the staff through their paces, which I know they enjoy."

While Bancroft is set to walk back into the Scorchers outfit, Voges doesn't think the same can be said about the opener's return to the Test team.

Steve Smith and David Warner – who were suspended for 12 months for their part at Newlands – are expected to be automatic selections when their bans are lifted but Bancroft, who has played only eight Tests, might have to wait a while longer to don the Baggy Green again.

"I think there's probably a bit of work for Cam to do," Voges said.

"There's four Shield games post the Big Bash as well that I'm sure he'll be keen to do well in.

"How he goes will probably dictate that (his Test return) but how the incumbents go as well in the Australian Test team.

"The one thing he has done is given his spot away in the meantime.

"If the guys who open the batting for Australia against India do a good job then Cam getting his spot back might just take a little bit longer.

"There's a lot of factors to play out there but one thing I do know is that he won't leave any stone unturned.

"He'll work his butt off to try and get back into the Australian Test team and I'm sure he will at some stage. How long that takes, I'm not too sure."