Steve Smith broke down in tears as he apologised for the role he played in Australian cricket’s ball-tampering scandal.
Along with David Warner and Cameron Bancroft, Smith has already received a ban from Cricket Australia for the incident, which took place during the recent third test match against South Africa in Cape Town.
“It was a failure of my leadership,” Smith acknowledged during a news conference in Sydney on Thursday.
“I am deeply sorry, I love the game of cricket, I love kids wanting to play the great game of cricket that I love.”
Briefly pointing towards his father, who had stood beside him for the duration of the press conference, Smith added: “Any time you think about making a questionable decision, think about affecting your parents.
“To see the way my old man has been, and my mum, it hurts. I just want to say I’m sorry for the pain I have brought to Australia and the fans and the public.”
He then exited the room.
Watch LIVE: Steve Smith addresses the media after returning home to Sydney https://t.co/ljh0A32bMh
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 29, 2018
Smith admitted that a ‘leadership group’ amongst the Australian team had devised a plan to tamper with the ball. A swiftly conducted Cricket Australia investigation found Warner instructed Bancroft, appearing in just his eighth test, how to carry it out.
Bancroft used sandpaper to damage one side of the ball during the game, initially claiming he used tape after the incident was captured on camera. He has since received a nine-month ban, while Smith and Warner have received one-year suspensions from international cricket.
Smith also made clear that the incident was a one off, following suggestions that similar tactics might have been deployed during the recent Ashes series.
