Bancroft joins Smith, Warner in Aus Ashes squad

File picture of David Warner. Photo credit: Reuters

Opening batsman Cameron Bancroft was on Friday included in Australia's squad for a five-Test Ashes series against England alongside Steve Smith and David Warner.

All three batsmen served lengthy bans for their roles in a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year.

Former captain Smith and his then deputy Warner were both given 12-month suspensions by Cricket Australia, with Bancroft -- who actually applied sandpaper to the ball while in the field during a Test in Cape Town -- banned for nine months.

The first Test at Edgbaston starts on August 1, with holders Australia looking to win their first Ashes series in England since 2001.

Deccan Herald is on WhatsApp Channels| Join now for Breaking News & Editor's Picks