Former Australian skipper Steven Smith on March 29 broke down during the press conference organised upon his arrival in Sydney. Smith was interacting with media persons after being deported from South Africa following his involvement in ball-tampering during the third Test match against Proteas.
While briefing the media about ball-tampering, Smith failed to control his emotions and broke down during the press conference. With tears in eyes, Smith apologised to his teammates, people of Australia and the fans of Australian cricket team.
Smith admitted that he made a grave mistake and there was a huge failure in his leadership. He said,
“To all of my teammates, cricket fans all over the world and to all Australians who were disappointed and angry, I’m sorry. What happened in Cape Town, has already been laid out by Cricket Australia. Tonight, I want to make clear that as a captain of Australian Cricket team, I take full responsibility. I made a serious error of judgement and I now understand the consequences. There was a serious failure of my leadership.
Watch LIVE: Steve Smith addresses the media after returning home to Sydney https://t.co/ljh0A32bMh
— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) March 29, 2018
ALSO READ: Too Harsh Or Justified? Sachin Tendulkar Reacts To Ban On Smith, Warner And Bancroft
I do everything I can to make up my mistake and the damaged has caused. If any good can come for this, it can be a lesson to others and I hope, I can be a force for change. I know I’ll regret for the rest of my life. I’m absolutely gutted. I hope in time, I can own back respect and forgiveness,I’m so privileged and honoured to represent my country and captain the Australian Cricket Team. Cricket is the greatest game in the world. It’s been my life, and I hope it can be again. I’m sorry and I’m absolutely devastated.
Heartbreaking. Steve Smith has broken down delivering a message to young Aussie cricket fans. pic.twitter.com/l14AsvAhXz
— 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.”
ALSO READ: #BallTamperingRow: Here’s Why The Cricketing World Was Harsh On Steve Smith, David Warner
During the session with the reporters, Smith repeatedly lost his control over himself and broke down a multiple times. He apologised again and again for whatever happened so far. He said,
“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.”
Earlier today, Cameron Bancroft held a press conference and admitted all his mistakes saying, “I lied about the sandpaper. I panicked & I am very sorry.”
ALSO READ: ‘It’s Tough To Earn That Respect Back’, Says Cameron Bancroft After Getting Banned For 9 Months
The tampering-trio, Cameron Bancroft, Steve Smith and David Warner have been slapped with a ban for tampering the ball during the third Test against South Africa. Bancroft is ousted for 9 months while the former skipper and his deputy have been banned for 12 months by the Cricket Australia.
Following this aftermath, the BCCI has also barred Warner and Smith from playing the forthcoming eleventh edition of the IPL. Steven Smith has been replaced by Ajinkya Rahane as the Rajasthan Royals skipper while Kane Williamson has replaced Warner as captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad.
