Emotional ex-Australian skipper Steve Smith regrets ball-tampering episode, shoulders responsibility
Canberra, Mar 29 (IBNS): With tears rolling down his cheeks, former Australian skipper Steve Smith, who has been handed a 12-month ban by Cricket Australia after his name emerged in the ball-tampering scam, said he will regret the episode for the rest of his life.
Watch LIVE: Steve Smith addresses the media after returning home to Sydney https://t.co/ljh0A32bMh
— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) March 29, 2018
Taking all responsibilities, Smith told media: "I made a serious error of judgement and I can understand the serious consequence."
Steve Smith: 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.
— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) March 29, 2018
"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," he said on the recent ball tampering incident which hit Australian cricket hard and left millions of fans shocked across the globe.
Steve Smith: 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.
— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) March 29, 2018
"I will now regret it for the rest of my life," an emotional Smith said.
Steve Smith: 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.
— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) March 29, 2018
Smith, who repeatedly broke down during the conference, said the entire episode left him 'devastated'.
Steve Smith: 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.
— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) March 29, 2018
He was banned for a Test by ICC after the entire ball tampering episode came to light during the recently concluded third Test match against South Africa.
Steve Smith: 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.com.au (@CricketAus) March 29, 2018
South Africa defeated Australia in the third Test to go up in the series 2-1.
Smith and David Warner, his deputy, were handed 12 months ban from playing international cricket by Cricket Australia on Wednesday.
Cameron Bancroft, who was caught red-handed during the act, said on Thursday he will regret his involvement.
Steve Smith: 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.
— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) March 29, 2018
"I want to say that I am very sorry," Cameron Bancroft told the media after reaching Australia.
"I love the game of cricket and playing for my nation and my state there is no greater pride for me.
“I am extremely disappointed and regret my actions," he said.
(Images: Wikimedia Commons, Grab from Cricket Australia Twitter page video)
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