XtraTime Web Desk: Australian cricket team’s former captain Steve Smith broke down in front of camera as he admitted that Cape Town ball-tampering scandal was a failure of his leadership.
“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,” said Smith while talking to the media.
Smith reached Sydney today after being banned for 12 months and stripped of the Australian captaincy for at least two years.
He also took full responsibility for a ball-tampering scandal that has shaken the sport, saying he was devastated by his “big mistake”.”I take full responsibility, I made a serious error of judgement and I understand the consequences. It was a failure of leadership,” he said before breaking down in tears.
Smith asked for forgiveness from his fans around the world who are disappointment after this incident.
“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.”
When asked if he blamed David Warner, he said: “I don’t blame anyone, I’m the captain, it’s on my watch and I take responsibility for what happened in Cape Town.”
Asked for a message to his young fans, Smith said: “I say two things, or three things. Firstly, I’m deeply sorry. I love the game of cricket, I love entertaining young kids, I love kids wanting to play the great game of cricket that I love.
“The two other things is that, any time you think about making a questionable decision, think about who you’re affecting, you’re affecting your parents.
“To see the way my old man’s been, it hurts. I just want to say I’m sorry for the pain that I’ve brought to Australia and the fans and the public, it’s devastating and I’m truly sorry.”