Will regret it as long as I live: Tearful David Warner apologises for ball-tampering

Warner refused to answer questions on if it was the first ball-tampering incident within the team.

David Warner (Image: cricket.com.au)

Breaking down in front of cameras during a press conference in Sydney, former Australian vice-captain David Warner on Saturday said that he took full responsibility for what happened. 

“I apologise for my actions and I am sorry for the impact those actions have had on our country's reputation,” said an emotional Warner, later adding, “ I will regret for as long as I live.” 

“I take full responsibilities of my part in what happened and I am deeply sorry for the consequences of what I was involved in. I flawed in my responsibilities as the Vice Captain of Australian Cricket team,” Warner said, later adding he would weigh up an appeal against his 12-month ban.

Warner said he hopes to play for Australia again, but refused to answer questions on if it was the first ball-tampering incident within the team.

He later tweeted:

1/3 I know there are unanswered questions and lots of them. I completely understand. In time i will do my best to answer them all. But there is a formal CA process to follow. — David Warner (@davidwarner31) March 31, 2018

2/3 I am taking advice to make sure I properly comply with that process and answer all questions in the proper place and at the proper time. — David Warner (@davidwarner31) March 31, 2018

3/3 I should have mentioned that in my press conference I’m sorry for not making it clearer. With so much at stake for my family and cricket I have to follow this process properly. I think that’s fair. — David Warner (@davidwarner31) March 31, 2018

Warner, who was accompanied by wife Candace in the backroom, said that the wellbeing of his family including two daughters is foremost on his mind.

Opening batsman Cameron Bancroft was caught on camera tampering the match ball with a yellow-coloured sandpaper. The incident shocked the cricketing world. Later, former skipper Steve Smith admitted that the team leadership was involved in the incident.

Read the full transcripts from the Warner, Smith, Bancroft & Lehmann press conferences here: https://t.co/CsxflxQyCo pic.twitter.com/iqSoge4MUk — cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) March 31, 2018

Later, Warner and Smith, who also lost his captaincy, received a 12-month ban, as did Warner. Bancroft was suspended for nine months.

"In the back of my mind I suppose there is a tiny ray of hope that I may one day be given the privilege of playing for my country again, but I am resigned to the fact that that may never happen," Warner said. "In the coming weeks and months, I'm going to look at how this happened and who I am as a man. I will seek out advice and expertise to help me make serious changes."

Full Transcript of Warner's Media Address

"First of all, I'd like to thank you all for coming this morning. 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.

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 into the culture of the Australian cricket team. To South African players, administration and fans, 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.

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 do realise that I'm responsible for my own actions and the consequences that that brings. It's heartbreaking to know that I won't be taking to the field with my teammates that I love and have let down. Right now it is hard to know what comes next but first and foremost, is the wellbeing of my family.

In the back of my mind, I suppose there is 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. In the coming weeks and months, I'm going to look at how this has happened and who I am as a man. I will seek out advice and expertise to help me make serious changes. I want to apologise to my family. To my wife and daughters. Your love means more than anything to me, I know I would not be anything without you. I'm very sorry for putting you through this and I promise I'll never put you through this again.

Before I take questions, I want to again say thankyou, I take full responsibility for my part in what happened and I am deeply sorry for the consequences of what I was involved in. I failed in my responsibilities as vice-captain of the Australian cricket team."

(With agency inputs)