On Thursday, Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft arrive in Sydney after being sent home by Cricket Australia for their role in ball tampering in the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town. Smith, Warner and Bancroft have been banned from international cricket and this was the first time when the sacked Australian cricket captain will face the media after flying out of Johannesburg on Wednesday amid tight security. "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.
"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," a devastated 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 last Saturday," he said.
Smith broke down during the conference and said: "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".Smith and Warner was on Wednesday banned from cricket for 12 months. Bancroft was slapped with nine months ban by Cricket Australia.
