Former Aussie vice-captain David Warner has broken down in tears while addressing a press conference about his role in the ball-tampering scandal that has rocked Australian cricket, saying he is prepared to accept the fact that he may never play cricket for his country again.
Warner started by saying sorry to his supporters:
“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 earn you respect again.”
He went on to apologise to his teammates and support staff, as well as Cricket Australia, saying that he fully supports a review of the Australian cricket team. He also addressed his opponents, saying:
“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.”
He continued:
“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.”
When questioned about whether any of his other teammates were involved in ball-tampering, he refused to answer, and would only own up to his own part in the affair, saying: “I’m here today to accept my responsibility for my part, my involvement in what happened in Cape Town.”
David Warner has been suspended for 12 months by Cricket Australia, and says it will be “tough” to be sidelined from the sport he loves. Captain Steve Smith copped a 12-month suspension, while Cameron Bancroft was suspended for nine months.
He said that while he is unsure of what is next for him, the well-being of his family is of “foremost” concern, and he told reporters:
“I failed in my responsibilities as vice-captain of the Australian cricket team. In the coming weeks and months I’m going to look at how this has happened and who I am as a man. To be honest I’m not sure right now how I will do this, I will seek out advice and expertise, to help me make serious changes.”
As for the future, he said that while he will never hold another leadership role in cricket:
“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.”
