Cameron Bancroft eager to put sandpaper saga behind him amid mounting speculation of a Test cricket return

Western Australia batter and former Test opener Cameron Bancroft says he's paid his dues over the South Africa sandpaper saga, as commentary around a potential return to the Test side mounts.

Bancroft was suspended from the national side for nine months, for the events in Cape Town in 2018, when he was caught by television cameras using sandpaper attempting to rough-up the ball.

He played two Test matches against England in 2019 after serving his suspension, and hasn't played for the national team since.

But his recent form, which saw him lead the Sheffield Shield run-scoring in the 2022-23 season with 945 runs, has put him back in the frame for a recall, with opener David Warner set to retire.

Bancroft scored almost 300 runs more than the next highest run-scorer, South Australia's Daniel Drew.

In the fallout from the scandal, Bancroft did an interview with the The Guardian, suggesting the team's bowlers knew of the sandpaper plot.

Saga in the rear view

But the opener doesn't think there is any hangover from the saga, and how much he scored is the only consideration.

"I think I've paid my dues," he said in Perth on Friday.

"We've all made mistakes and things like that. And that was certainly a really long time ago now. I've moved on from that.

With Warner's career to end after the Sydney Test against Pakistan in January, selectors are looking for a replacement to join Usman Khawaja at the top of the order.

Marcus Harris has been on tour with the national side in recent times, including the Ashes series in the winter, while Matthew Renshaw could also be in consideration.

Not distracted by speculation

Bancroft said missing out on a spot on the England tour was disappointing considering his form last summer.

"It's a dream, it's a goal that I think every Aussie cricketer probably has," he said.

"But I also know that moving forward, the only way to continue is to focus on what I can control and that's obviously trying to be as consistent as I can and going and giving myself a really good opportunity to play well."

Bancroft opened the current Sheffield Shield season with a century as WA thrashed Victoria at the WACA ground, with national team selector Tony Dodemaide in the stands.

He said he's not distracted by speculation he's in line for a recall to the Australia squad with five Shield matches before the Big Bash break.

"Right now, I'm here playing for Western Australia," he said.

"I think that's where I want to keep my focus. And that's what's important."