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Tears, charity and yoga: Bancroft opens up on life after Sandpapergate

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Cameron Bancroft has described, in a letter to his younger self, how he almost turned to teaching yoga amid his soul-searching during his nine-month ban over the ball-tampering scandal.

Key points:

  • Bancroft wrote the letter to the version of himself sitting in the Cape Town change rooms after the ball-tampering scandal
  • He says he turned to yoga during his time off, and contemplated quitting cricket to teach it full-time
  • Throughout, Bancroft repeated the mantra "have faith and embrace uncertainty"

The letter, published in The West Australian on Saturday, explains how he became involved in teaching yoga and doing community service with the Kyle Andrews Foundation after he was suspended over the incident in South Africa in March.

He says a crucial moment was missing the Western Warriors' pre-season trip to Brisbane and thinking he may never play cricket again.

"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," Bancroft wrote.

"As the Warriors squad prepare for a pre-season trip to Brisbane, you will be told that you are not included. Yes, you won't be going, plus you can't even play!

"Banned and suspended. Not a big deal some would think, but it will be huge for you."

Watch the full speech: Cameron Bancroft asks for forgiveness over role in ball-tampering scandal

Bancroft reflected on his return to Australia, when he tearfully fronted a press conference at the WACA.

"The arrival back to Perth will be tougher than anything you could ever imagine. Reporters and cameras will be lined up at the airport trying to get a glimpse of you as you return home," he wrote.

"You will be ushered out the back of the airport to see the familiar face of [Justin Langer]. The reality and the enormity of this event will have set in by now.

"Stay strong as you prepare for your press conference at the WACA. Speak honestly and from the heart.

"You will step out of that room feeling imprisoned, sad, lost and yet strangely hopeful."

Cameron Bancroft is escorted by police officers

The 26-year-old even considered dedicating his life to teaching yoga to help others after taking a training course in Melbourne in September.

"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," Bancroft wrote.

"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."

But returning to playing tough grade matches at Willetton District Cricket Club rekindled his love of cricket.

Cameron Bancroft ready to bat for Willetton

"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," the opener wrote.

Bancroft also forgave himself for the ball-tampering scandal, describing how over the past nine months he had changed as a person, particularly in his outlook on life.

"Many people will judge you as a cheat, but that is OK. Always love and respect everyone. You will love those people because you forgive them. Just like you're going to forgive yourself," Bancroft said.

"Have faith and embrace uncertainty."

ABC/AAP

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