Cricketer Cameron Bancroft has described in a letter how he almost turned to teaching yoga amid his soul-searching during his nine-month ban over the ball-tampering scandal.
The letter, addressed to himself and 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 in The West Australian.
The 26-year-old even considered dedicating his life to teaching yoga to help others after a taking a training course in Melbourne in September.
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"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.
"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."
