The last few months for Cameron Bancroft haven’t been pleasant by any stretch of the imagination. He was banned by Cricket Australia (CA), then headed by James Sutherland, earlier in March from playing international cricket, first-class cricket and the Big Bash League (BBL). The right-handed batsman is currently plying his trade in the NT Strike League where he is representing the Desert Blaze. However, misery doesn’t seem to elude the tainted cricketer from Attadale in Western Australia. The Blaze played the Southern Storm and comprehensively won by six wickets with 38 balls to spare. Bancroft scored 62 runs from 66 deliveries in the run- chase but encountered a nasty moment. After accomplishing his half-century, the 25-year-old looked all settled to take his team home. The spiteful blow He tried to be innovative and was struck flush on his face. Fast-bowler Kurt Johnston dished out an innocuous delivery, which wasn’t bowled at an intimidating speed. Bancroft, who had the measure of the conditions and the bowling, went for a lap sweep. The ball was outside the off-stump and hence, the batsman had to fetch it in order to nail the stroke with precision. He met the leather on the full, however, the ball hit the splice of the bat, instead of the middle, and hit Bancroft into the underside of his jaw and windpipe. Immediately, he crouched on to his knees and screeched in utter discomfort. He was immediately treated with medical attention. Luckily, he raised himself, gained back his composure and resumed his knock. He was later rushed to the Royal Darwin Hospital for a precautionary scan. To his delight, he seems to have escaped a major injury but has been ruled out of the Blaze’s next match against the City Cyclones, the team for which David Warner will play. The Blaze are currently the top-ranked team in the championship with 22 points from seven matches.