David Warner Breaks Down, Says ‘May Not Represent Australia Again’

"To all Australians, I'm sorry for the impact those actions have had on our country's reputation", said David Warner in the press conference

By: Aakash Biswas |
March 31, 2018 11:50 am

David Warner has finally opened up about the ball-tampering saga, since his return to Australia after getting a ban of 12 months. He briefed the media personnel about his involvement in the case, and just like Steve Smith and Darren Lehmann, he too broke down. During the press conference, he looked completely devastated and couldn’t control his emotions.

Warner apologised to his Australian teammates, support staff, cricket fan and other countrymen. He termed his involvement in this saga as ‘inexcusable and deeply regrettable”. He was sorry for letting the fans down and admitted that he’s nothing without their support.

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“To the fans and the lovers of the game who have supported and inspired me on my journey as a cricketer, I want to sincerely apologise for betraying your trust in me. I have let you down badly. I hope in time I can find a way to repay you for all you’ve given me and possibly earn your respect again,” said Warner.

“To my teammates and support staff, I apologise for my actions and I take full responsibility for my part in what happened on day three of the Newlands Test. To Cricket Australia, I apologise for my actions and the effect it has had on our game under your care and control. I want you to know that I fully support your review in the culture of the Australian cricket team,” he added.

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Warner also apologised to the South African team and the management saying,”I apologise unreservedly for my part in this and I am sorry. I brought the game into disrepute on your soil. South Africa is a fine cricketing nation and deserves better from its guests and deserves better from me.”

Adding, “To all Australians, whether you’re a cricket fan or not, I apologise for my actions. I’m sorry for the impact those actions have had on our country’s reputation. I can honestly say I have only ever wanted to bring glory to my country by playing cricket. In striving to do so, I have made a decision which has had an opposite effect and it’s one that I’ll regret for as long as I’ll live. I have failed as the vice-captain of the Australian cricket team.

There’s a tiny ray of hope that I may one day be given the privilege of playing for my country again but I’m resigned to the fact that that may never happen again.”

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After getting slapped with a ban of 12 months, Warner returned home on March 29. According to several media reports, according to Cricket Australia sanctions, Warner was found guilty of “development of a plan to attempt to artificially alter the condition of the ball”, and “instruction to a junior player to carry out a plan”. He was also accused and penalised for advising Cameron Bancroft to tamper the ball.