'Devastated' Steve Smith breaks down during press conference in Australia

Sport360 staff 15:08 29/03/2018
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  • Steve Smith has been banned for a year for his role in the scandal.

    Steve Smith broke down during a press conference following his return to Australia on Thursday after being sent home from South Africa for his role in the ball-tampering controversy that has shocked his country.

    “I want to, as captain of the Australian cricket team, I take full responsibility,” he said. “I made a serious error in judgement.

    “It was a failure of leadership, my leadership.

    “I will do everything I can to make up for my mistake and the damage it’s caused.

    “If any good is to come from this it can be a lesson for others and 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.”

    Smith was speaking in front of a packed press conference at Sydney International Airport, where he had been given a hostile welcome upon arrival earlier on Thursday.

    “I say two things, or three things,” he said. “Firstly, I’m deeply sorry. I love the game of cricket, I love entertaining young kids, I love kids wanting to play the great game of cricket that I love.

    “The two other things is that, any time you think about making a questionable decision, think about who you’re affecting, you’re affecting your parents.

    “To see the way my old man’s been … it hurts. I just want to say I’m sorry for the pain that I’ve brought to Australia and the fans and the public, it’s devastating and I’m truly sorry.

    “I hope in time I can earn back respect and forgiveness, I’ve been so privileged and honoured to represent my country and captain the Australian cricket team.

    “Cricket is the greatest game in the world. It’s been my life, and I hope it can be again.

    “I’m sorry and I’m absolutely devastated.”

    Smith also brushed aside a question regarding reports that the ball-tampering plan was hatched by vice-captain David Warner before being carried out by rookie opener Cameron Bancroft.

    “I’m the captain the of Australian team,” he said. “It’s on my watch and I take responsibility of the actions of what happened last Saturday in Cape Town.”

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