Bancroft considered quitting cricket for yoga teaching during ban

Cameron Bancroft has revealed that he considered quitting cricket and becoming a yoga teacher

Melbourne, December 22: Australia batsman Cameron Bancroft has revealed in an open letter to himself that he considered quitting cricket and becoming a yoga teacher during his ban for ball-tampering.

Bancroft was given a nine-month suspension for attempting to alter the condition of the ball with sandpaper during the Newlands Test against South Africa in March.

The opener is set to make his return for Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League next week but says the prospect of turning his back on the sport became a realistic possibility when he was not included on a Western Warriors pre-season trip to Brisbane.

Bancroft also stated that doing community service with the Kyle Andrews Foundation also led him to consider his options.

He wrote in a letter published in the West Australian: "Until you are able to acknowledge that you are Cameron Bancroft, the person who plays cricket as a profession, and not Cameron Bancroft the cricketer, you will not be able to move forward.

"This will become a defining moment for you.

"The yoga teacher training course in Melbourne in September helps to grow this passion of yours. You learn about anatomy, how to teach poses, alignment, the philosophy but most importantly you learn that you can use your life to a greater purpose.

"New friends will be made, great people with similar interests. Maybe cricket isn't for you, you'll ask yourself … will you return? Yoga will be such a fulfilling experience. It's hard to feel this reality could exist.

"You meet people fighting battles greater than you can understand, but through your own hardship and journey you can inspire others in the form of yoga. This will be tough to understand now but have faith and embrace uncertainty."

Bancroft, however, said that returning to play grade cricket made him realise he has the desire to resume his career.

"The Willetton District Cricket Club is where your cricketing journey began. You will become the captain and have a great opportunity to give all your love and knowledge to a group of players you maybe neglected through the journey of playing at the highest level," he added.

"The first game will give you the answer about what the game of cricket means to you. It is simply just fun. You wear a blue cap, it won't be a baggy green, but the enjoyment is the same. You love the game. That's the heart of all passion. Cricket is still well and truly a part of who you are."