Steve Smith said that Cricket had been his life and hoped that it will be again.
While facing the media for the first time after the ball-tampering fiasco, former Australia captain Steve Smith broke into tears as he apologised for orchestrating the act that "has brought pain to the nation and fans."
The 28-year-old arrived from South Africa after being stripped of the captaincy and handed a 12-month ban for his part in the incident.
Smith spent some time with his father Peter before addressing the media. His father stood by his side as he answered questions. As Smith broke down during the press-conference, his father comforted him placing a hand on his shoulder.
The most crushing moment of the emotional press conference came after Smith was asked how this could impact the kids who look up to him.
“I love the game of cricket and entertaining kids. I love kids wanting to play the great game of cricket that I love,” Smith said.
Smith said he wished to earn back the lost respect.
"I will regret this for the rest of my life. I'm absolutely gutted. I hope in time I can earn back respect and forgiveness. Cricket is the greatest game in the world. It has been my life and I hope it will be again," said while breaking down in tears repeatedly.
"I will do everything I can do to make up for my mistake and the damage it has caused. If any good can come of this, it can be a lesson to others, and I hope can be a cause for change," he added.
The 28-year-old, who was banned for 12 months from international cricket by Cricket Australia for his involvement in the ball tampering scandal, took the complete responsibility of the act and termed it a serious error of judgment.
"I am sorry. I want to make it clear that as captain of the Australia Cricket team, I take full responsibility. I made a serious error of judgment and I now understand the consequences."
"I've been privileged and honored to represent my country. Cricket has been my life and I hope it can be again. I'm sorry and I'm absolutely devastated. I don't blame anyone. I'm the captain of the Australian team. It's on my watch and I take responsibility for what happened," Smith, the top-ranked Test batsman in the world said.
"To all of my teammates, to fans of cricket all over the world and to all Australians who are disappointed and angry. I'm sorry. I take full responsibility. There was a failure of leadership, of my leadership. I'll do everything I can to make up for my mistake and the damage it's caused," he said.
On Wednesday, sacked Smith and David Warner were both banned for 12 months for their roles in the ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town.
Opening batsman Cameron Bancroft was banned for nine months following the scandal, which has outraged the fans, jolted the sponsors and prompted CA to send the players home from South Africa. The trio will be allowed to compete in club cricket, but cannot take part in state or international games for the duration of their bans.
"David Warner will not be considered for team leadership positions in the future," CA said in the statement, having fingered him in developing the plot. Smith and Bancroft will have to wait two years before they are considered for leadership roles, and even then it will "be conditional on acceptance by fans and the public", according to CA.
Each player must also complete 100 hours of community service before being considered for future selection, while it was confirmed that the cheat had been confined to the trio only, exonerating team mates and coach Darren Lehmann of any wrong-doing.
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