Steve Smith breaks down multiple times while issuing an official apology in a press sonference in Sydney on Thursday.
Former Australian captain Steve Smith broke down as he issued an official apology for his role in the ball-tampering scandal.
The 28-year-old reached Sydney on Thursday after being banned from international cricket for one year by Cricket Australia.
"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.
Smith broke down several times in the press conference on Thursday, especially when he reflected on the effects his actions have had on his parents.
"I don't blame anyone. I am the captain of the Australian team, I take responsibility to what happened on last Saturday If any good can come of this, if there can be a lesson to others then I hope I can be a force for change. I know I'll 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 sport in the world. It's 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 last Saturday. It hurts. I'm deeply sorry. I love the game of cricket. I love entertaining young kids ... I just want to say sorry for the pain I've brought to Australia, to the fans and the public," said Smith.
Watch Smith's statement here
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.
A key finding was that Bancroft had in fact used sandpaper to rough up the ball in the third test at Newlands, and not sticky tape as he stated, adding an extra element of premeditation to the actions and re-opening questions as to whether this was an isolated incident.
Warner was also found guilty of "provision of advice to a junior player (Bancroft) regarding how a ball could be artificially altered including demonstrating how it could be done". Part of the findings against both Smith and Bancroft were that they had mislead both the umpires on the field of play, and the public in a press conference as to the "the nature, extent and participants of the plan".
While Smith and Bancroft were both found guilty of "knowledge" of the plan to cheat, a CA statement credits Warner with the "development" of the plot, suggesting he was the instigator. All three also have the right to appeal their sentences.
"The CA Board understands and shares the anger of fans and the broader Australian community about these events," Cricket Australia Chairman, David Peever said in a statement. "They go to the integrity and reputation of Australian Cricket and Australian sport and the penalties must reflect that. These are significant penalties for professional players and the Board does not impose them lightly. It is hoped that following a period of suspension, the players will be able to return to playing the game they love and eventually rebuild their careers."
(Inputs from Reuters)
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