Banned Australian cricketers set to return in July

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Australian batsmen David Warner and Cameron Bancroft have signed up for a limited overs tournament in the country's Northern Territory in July as they look to return to cricket in the wake of a ball-tampering scandal.

Along with former Australia captain Steve Smith, Warner is serving a year-long ban from state and international cricket and his former test opening partner Bancroft a nine-month suspension for the use of sandpaper to damage the ball in South Africa in March.

The scandal rocked the game, sullied the national team's reputation and caused a major sponsor to withdraw support.

David Warner (R) and Cameron Bancroft. /VCG Photo

The players are setting out to rebuild their careers as they are allowed to appear at club level in Australia and in domestic tournaments abroad.

Former Australia vice-captain Warner was confirmed for two one-day matches in Darwin on July 21-22, while Bancroft would be available for the whole tournament, NT Cricket said in a statement.

NT Cricket CEO Joel Morrison said they are delighted that the duo will be joining the Strike League, which is designed to give emerging players experience against interstate and international talent.

"Their presence and experience will be invaluable for our local players, and it’s a big endorsement for the fantastic work being done by the staff at NT Cricket to make Darwin the winter destination of choice for Australian cricket," he said.

The scandal has harmed Australian cricket's reputation. /VCG Photo

Warner said in a statement that he is looking forward to the game. "I heard so much about the competition while I was in Darwin earlier this month that I’m keen to be part of it," he said.

Smith meanwhile will make his return at an inaugural Global T20 Canada event in Toronto that starts in late June.

Warner, who has already committed to playing for Sydney club side Randwick Petersham at the start of their season, is also expected to sign as a marquee player in the Canada tournament.

Bancroft is confirmed to play with his Western Australian club side Willetton later in the year.

Tim Paine will lead Australia during their limited overs tour in England starting next month, the team's first international cricket since the tampering scandal.

(With input from Reuters and AFP)