SYDNEY: Distraught former Australia cricket captain Steve Smith was intears Thursday as he accepted full responsibility for a ball-tamperingscandal that has shaken the sport, saying he was devastated by his “bigmistake”.
“I take full responsibility, I made a serious error of judgement and Iunderstand the consequences. It was a failure of leadership,” he saidbefore breaking down at a press conference after his arrival in Sydney fromJohannesburg.
“I will do everything to make up for my mistake.
“If any good can come for this… it can be a lesson for others. I hope Ican be a force for change,” he added.
“I know I will regret this for the rest of my life. I am absolutely gutted.Cricket is my life and hope it can be again. I’m sorry. I’m absolutelydevastated.”
Smith and David Warner were stripped from their roles as captain andvice-captain and banned from all international and domestic cricket for ayear over their behaviour during the third Test against South Africa inCape Town last weekend.
Opening batsman Cameron Bancroft was suspended for nine months.
Warner was charged by Cricket Australia with developing the plan to usesandpaper to alter the ball to their bowlers’ advantage and instructingBancroft to carry it out.
Smith, who made a statement then took a handful of questions beforebreaking down in tears and the press conference ending, had effectivelyturned a blind eye to the plot.
“For me, my weakness … I have made a big mistake for allowing this tohappen,” said Smith.
“This is the first time I have seen this happen and it will never behappening again.
“I don’t blame anyone, I´m the captain of the Australian team and I takeresponsibility for the actions that happened.”
Smith, a golden boy who has been compared to the legendary AustralianDonald Bradman for his batting exploits, added: “I just want to say sorryfor the pain I’ve brought to Australia, to the fans and the public.”
Warner also broke his silence Thursday, apologising and accepting his rolein the cheating storm.
Bancroft asked for forgiveness on his return to Perth, saying he wasashamed of himself. – APP /AFP