Tearful Smith takes full responsibility

Distraught former Australia cricket team captain Steve Smith was in tears Thursday as he accepted full responsibility for a ball-tampering scandal that has shaken the sport, saying he was devastated by his "big mistake". "I take full responsibility, I made a serious error of judgement and I understand the consequences. It was a failure of leadership," he said before breaking down at a press conference after his arrival in Sydney from Johannesburg. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfqlz7tM61A "I will do everything to make up for my mistake.

"I'll do everything I can to make up for my mistake and the damage it's caused."

Suspended Australian cricket captain Steve Smith gives an emotional apology for ball-tampering scandal https://t.co/rYcnbmn0Gx pic.twitter.com/rpZO3j52w2— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) March 29, 2018

"If any good can come for this...it can be a lesson for others. I hope I can 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 absolutely devastated." Smith and David Warner were stripped from their roles as captain and vice-captain and banned from all international and domestic cricket for a year over their behaviour during the third and penultimate Test match against South Africa in Cape Town last weekend.

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

Opening batsman Cameron Bancroft was suspended for nine months. Warner was charged by Cricket Australia with developing the plan to use sandpaper to alter the ball to their bowlers' advantage and instructing Bancroft to carry it out. Smith, who made a statement then took a handful of questions before breaking down in tears and the press conference ending, had effectively turned a blind eye to the plot.

Steve Smith has made a mistake. But in trying to catch a plane in South Africa he's treated like a mass murderer. Surrounded by 12 security guards... people baying for his blood and calling him a cheat. This is too much for any 28 year old to handle. #CricketAustralia

— Alan Jones (@AlanJones) March 28, 2018

"For me, my weakness...I have made a big mistake for allowing this to happen," said Smith. "This is the first time I have seen this happen and it will never be happening again. "I don't blame anyone, I'm the captain of the Australian team and I take responsibility for the actions that happened."

A devastated Steve Smith has broken down as he addressed the media in Sydney: https://t.co/CPHD6iTRCy pic.twitter.com/UCpbxcXZlW

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) March 29, 2018

Smith, a golden boy who has been compared to the legendary Australian Donald Bradman for his batting exploits, added: "I just want to say sorry for the pain I've brought to Australia, to the fans and the public." Warner also broke his silence Thursday, apologising and accepting his role in the cheating storm. Bancroft asked for forgiveness on his return to Perth, saying he was ashamed of himself.