Steve Smith addressed the media at a press conference in Sydney airport and expressed his regret over the ball-tampering scandal that has rocked international cricket.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Smith, along with David Warner, was handed a one-year ban by Cricket Australia amid ball-tampering revelations during the Cape Town Test. Cameron Bancroft, who was tasked with scraping the ball with sandpaper and sticky tape, was given a nine-month suspension for his role in the incident.
“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,” Smith said.
“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.”
Smith broke down in tears during the press conference and said that the incident has left him hurt.
“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.”