David Warner ‘humbled and overwhelmed' to receive public support after the ball-tampering scandal

Warner has been suspended by Cricket Australia for a period of 12 months after he was found to be the instigator of the ball-tampering saga.

Warner has already urged for forgiveness in his media conference in March | Getty

Banned Australia opener David Warner has spoken publicly for the first time since his infamous ball tampering media conference in Sydney on March 31.

Warner, who has been banned by Cricket Australia (CA) for 12 months after he was found to be the instigator in the ball-tampering scandal, said he is “humbled” by the messages of support during his time away from the game. The southpaw also added that he’s enjoying spending more time with his family now.

“It is humbling and overwhelming,” Warner told NT News.

“Sometimes you sit back and reflect and wonder do people care about you as a person. Sometimes with our society something has to happen for the worst for people to come out and show a lot of support and I think I’ve learned a valuable lesson in this myself for the support I have been given to be on the front foot to help others,” he further added.

Following the sanction imposed by Cricket Australia, the BCCI had also barred Warner from participating in the ongoing Indian Premier League. It is worth mentioning here that Warner has led SRH to IPL triumph in 2016 besides being the highest run-getter last season.

Event thought the highly lucrative IPL contract and loss of sponsors have dented Warner’s financial drawing big time, the 31-year-old is currently enjoying his time out of a touring life.

“I think the biggest thing for us has been when you are in a routine you can get caught in a bubble — cricket, hotels, packing your bags, coming home. You are not home for long. With an extended period of time you are in a good routine but then it is selfless — kids are a priority — so it’s day care, swimming lessons, gymnastic lessons and then you get your quality time together as parents,” Warner remarked.

“(Wife) Candice and I do all those things together. We take them to these things together — pick them up together. I always make sure I am able to do it all the time. I am making time now and it is worthwhile. I’ve missed that part until now where the kids run up to the gate saying, ‘Mummy and Daddy are here’, and I am really enjoying and embracing that,” he explained.

Besides Warner, CA had also issued severe punishments on former Australia captain Steve Smith and opener Cameron Bancroft for their involvement in the disgraceful ball-tampering episode. While Smith was handed a one-year suspension, Bancroft was barred from international cricket for a period of 9-months.

Subsequent to their probe into the matter, Cricket Australia had also mentioned that the convicted trio will have to complete 100 hours of community service before being considered for future selection.

While Smith and Bancroft will have to wait two years before they are considered for leadership roles, Warner will never again be considered for captaincy. Although Smith, Warner, and Bancroft are still eligible to compete in club cricket they can’t take part in state or international games for the duration of their suspensions.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 05 May, 2018

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