Captain Bancroft? That's A Step Too Far

This may sound like double standards. Last week, in the spirit of grown-up reconciliation and because the historical bond between our countries goes back a lot longer and should mean a lot more than the latest Ashes row, I argued that the three Australia cricketers banned for their part in Sandpapergate should be welcomed here this summer with an outstretched palm rather than two fingers, and I stand by what I said.

- Peter Hayter

But that was before Durham made the extraordinary decision to appoint as their captain for the coming season Cameron Bancroft, who, according to reliable reports, had never set foot in the county and whose entire captaincy experience comprises two matches with Australia U19s, eight years ago.

I’m all for the rehabilitation of offenders, within reason, even cricketers who carry sandpaper in the pockets of their kecks to tamper with the ball, then stuff it in their under kecks and claim baby-faced innocence when the umpires ask them if they’re up to no good.

But to appoint one as captain, actually to appoint Bancroft captain? Are you sure, Durham? Because I, for one, am not and I don’t think I am alone.

Think of the qualities and characteristics one is usually entitled to expect from a captain, such as setting the right example… in fact, I’ll stop right there.