I AM a former Taunton resident who now lives in Australia.

I retain many connections with Somerset and I am a strong supporter of the England cricket team - a difficult balancing act when living and working among many Australian friends.

I am extremely disappointed in Somerset Cricket's decision to reverse its signing of Cameron Bancroft to play for Somerset in the coming summer.

As Andy Hurry has said, 'We've all made mistakes and he's really remorseful around the actions he took ... I am convinced, with the appropriate support, that he will get stronger...and really learn from this - which is the important thing'.

Exactly! Cameron has paid heavily for a lapse of judgment, egged on by team members in an aggressive culture of win at all costs.

He is now a pariah in Australia who cannot play for his country until he redeems himself.

Why punish him twice? Somerset should now provide that 'appropriate support' and extend the hand of friendship, not just to Bancroft but in the greater cause of changing the cricket culture across all nations to one of sportsmanship and respect.

VAL BARRETT
Canberra
Australia