Cameron Bancroft set to miss Durham opener after being told to stay in Australia for awards dinner

Durham are resigning themselves to the opening batsman not reaching the UK in time for their opening fixture against Derbyshire, which is due to begin on April 5

Cameron Bancroft is likely to miss the start of Durham's County Championship campaign after being asked by Cricket Australia and Western Australia to stay behind for an end-of-season awards dinner Down Under.

Bancroft has the opportunity to rebuild his first-class career in the English summer, after serving a nine-month ban for ball-tampering, but his debut could well be delayed after he was told told to remain in Australia for the Perth event.

Durham are resigning themselves to the opening batsman not reaching the UK in time for their opening fixture against Derbyshire, which is due to begin on April 5.

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“He was persona non grata when we signed him in July. We took a chance on him and Western Australia and Cricket Australia should recognise that fact. He recognises it and has pushed strongly to get here on time,” Durham chief executive Tim Bostock told The Telegraph.

“We only play two Championship matches before breaking off for a block of 50-over games. Missing one match does not sound like a big deal but those two games are huge for us as we try and start the season well and look for promotion.

“I can understand players missing games for international duty but to miss a game because of an awards dinner is ridiculous.”