Cameron Bancroft’s return to cricket didn’t go as well as expected after the Australian batsman was out for just one on Sunday.

Lining up for Desert Blaze in the NT Strike League at Darwin, the 25-year-old opened the batting but gave away an easy catch to the fielder at cover off Southern Storm opening bowler Blade Baxter.

Speaking after the game, Bancroft said: “To get back in to some cricket is really exciting. Obviously not an ideal start but the team won, it’s not all about you sometimes.

“I’ll keep enjoying every moment here.”

He added: “Cricket is a component and part of my life. I know that for the last couple of months cricket has not necessarily been the No.1 priority in my life.

“But my life is still pretty good and there’s lots of great things about it.

“I think that’s been the beautiful thing about the last few months is you certainly learnt to appreciate and be grateful for what you do have.

“I had cricket taken away from me there for a little while but I’ve got a lot of great friends and support.”

Bancroft was playing in first game since being handed a nine-month ban for his involvement in the ball-tampering scandal.