Cricket ball tampering scandal: Steve Smith fronts media conference in Sydney and apologises

STEVE Smith laid his soul bare on Thursday night in an emotional press conference that left no doubt about the devastating personal toll the ball tampering scandal has had on him.

Disgraced Australian cricket captain Steve Smith is comforted by his father Peter at the press conference at Sydney Airport on Thursday night.

STEVE Smith is a broken man.

Australia’s fallen Test captain bared his soul on Thursday night in an emotion-charged press conference which left no doubt about the devastating personal toll the ball tampering scandal has taken on cricket’s brightest star.

With his father, Peter at his side, the man anointed the second coming of Sir Donald Bradman stepped up and played his most courageous innings.

Steve Smith owned up to his mistake.

ANALYSIS: Smith pusghes through pain barrier

BANCROFT: ‘I lied, I panicked’

REPERCUSSIONS: Bancroft loses contract

LEHMANN: The moment that forced him out

VACANCY: The candidates for Lehmann’s role

R EACTION: Cricket world throws support behind Smith

WARNER: ‘I apologise for my part’

It was distressing to watch.

The heartbreak of a son, comforted in his lowest moment by the unconditional love of his dad.

Smith said he didn’t blame David Warner for the cheating fiasco that has brought his career to its knees.

Instead, as Australian skipper he took full responsibility for the shocking events in Cape Town.

“It was a failure of leadership. Of my leadership,” he said.

“… Now I understand the consequences.”

Steve Smith had his dad, Peter, as emotional support.

Breaking down throughout his brave and honest address, Steve Smith, utterly distraught and shattered, said he would regret his part in the plot “for the rest of his life”.

In his final gut-wrenching answer before the press conference ended, Smith said he hoped he could be a force for change for kids around the country.

“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,” he said.

“Any time you think about making a questionable decision, think about who you’re affecting. You’re affecting your parents.”

Fighting to express his feelings on family, the 28-year-old could barely go on.

“To see the way my old man has been …. and my mum and sister … it hurts,” he said.

“I just want to say I’m sorry for the pain I’ve brought to Australia and the fans and the public, it’s devastating and I’m truly sorry.”

Smith continued to look down the camera and solemnly swore that he had never known of any previous incident of ball tampering under his watch.

It was the second time in this the worst week of his life that Smith has fronted up and faced the music.

On the other side of the country Cameron Bancroft also opened up to the media about the life-long regret that would plague him and also poured his heart out.

Warner was due into Sydney airport later on Thursday night, but after releasing a statement of apology on social media earlier in the day, wasn’t expected to take questions.

Steve Smith is comforted by his father Peter.

The Australian Cricketers Association issued a statement condemning the severity of the respective 12 and nine month bans handed down to the ball tampering trio and it remains unclear whether Smith, Bancroft or Warner – who are receiving legal advice – will appeal their sanctions.

The ACA also slammed Cricket Australia for urging the players to front the cameras.

But this was Smith’s call. He wanted to speak.

Three years to the day since Australian cricket’s golden boy hit the winning runs at the 2015 World Cup in front of 100,000 adoring fans at the MCG, Smith stepped up to a different kind of stage for a performance that should define his character as a brave, honest and decent man.

Smith’s poster was removed at the front of Cricket NSW’s office on Thursday, but his airport address was the start of his road to redemption.

“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,” said Smith.

“I’ve been so privileged and honoured to represent my country and captain the Australian cricket team. Cricket is the greatest game of the world. It’s been my life and I hope it can be again. I’m sorry and I’m absolutely devastated.

“I’ll do everything I can to make up for my mistake and the damage it’s caused. If any good can come of this, if there can be a listen to others, then I hope I can be a force for change.”

Steve Smith tries to compose himself on Thursday night as his father comforts him.

The ACA outlined several reasons why they believe the 12 month bans handed down to Smith and Warner and the nine months received by Bancroft were way over the top.

*The grading and sanctions proposed are considerably higher than the ICC’s grading and sanctions,” read a statement.

*The disproportionality between the proposed sanctions and those previously handed down in world cricket for ‘changing the condition of the ball’ — including by captains of international teams applying artificial substances.

*The activation of CA’s board as a deliberative body on the proposed sanctions.

*The penalties were a poor reflection of contextual factors like the personal abuse players copped in South Africa and the impact of this on certain players.

*The rush to place players before the world’s media without the benefit of considered and coherent advice.”

Originally published as Cricket ball tampering scandal: Steve Smith fronts media conference in Sydney and apologises