Steve Smith broke down during the press conference in Sydney, after returning from South Africa and called the ball-tampering scandal, a failure of his leadership.

“I want to, as captain of the Australian cricket team, I take full responsibility,” he said. “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.”

Smith said, “I made a serious error in judgement. It was a failure of leadership, my leadership. I will do everything I can to make up for my mistake and the damage it’s caused. If any good is to come from this it can be a lesson for others and I hope I can be a force for change. I know I’ll regret this for the rest of my life. I’m absolutely gutted.” 

Smith, who received a ban of 12 months; was also suspended from the IPL season 2018.

Smith said, “If any good can come of this, if there can be a lesson to others then I hope I can be a force for change. 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.”

“Cricket is the greatest sport in the world. It's been my life and I hope it can be again. I'm sorry and I'm absolutely devastated,” he said.

Finally, Smith apologized again and said,” I don't blame anyone. I'm the captain of the Australian team. It's on my watch and I take responsibility for what happened last Saturday.”

(With inputs from cricket.com.au)