UNRESERVED APOLOGY

Warner apologises 'unreservedly', admits playing for Australia 'may not happen again'

by Cricbuzz Staff • Last updated on

David Warner apologises 'unreservedly' and takes 'full responsibility'. © Getty

David Warner, who was caught in the middle of the storm during the third day's play of the Newlands Test in Cape Town, took "full responsibility" for his involvement in the unceremonious ball-tampering episode and admitted that his actions were "inexcusable".

Speaking to the media for the first time in Sydney since the incident sent shock waves around the world, the opener apologised unreservedly to Cricket Australia and his teammates, and also to South African team, its administrators and fans.

"I've let you down badly," Warner said on Saturday (March 31). "I hope in time I'm able to repay all you've given me and possibly earn your respect again. To my teammates, I apologise and take full responsibility. To CA, I apologise for my actions and the effect it has had on our game under your care and control," Warner added.

"I want you to know I fully support your review. To South Africa players, administrators and fans, I apologise unreservedly for my part in this. I've brought the game in disrepute on your soil. South Africa is a fine cricketing nation and deserves better from its guests and deserved better from me," the 30-year-old added.

In what was the most telling confession in the brief press conference, Warner admitted that his wish to play for the country in the future may not happen again. "I do realise I am responsible for my own actions, it's heartbreaking to know I won't be taking the field with my teammates that I love and respect and have let down. In the back of my mind there is a tiny ray of hope I may one day play for my country again, although I know that may not ever happen.

"To all Australians, I apologise for my actions. I can honestly say that I've always wanted to bring in glory to my country by playing cricket. In striving to do so, I've made the decision that has had the opposite effect and it's one that I'll regret for the rest of my life."

Following an investigation carried out by CA, headed by Iain Roy, Head of Integrity, along with two other officers from the ICC, the board banned Warner alongside Steven Smith from international and state cricket for a period of 12 months, while handing Cameron Bancroft a nine-month suspension. While Smith and Bancroft will not be considered for captaincy for a minimum of 12 months after they complete their suspension, Warner will never be considered for the position in the future again.

CA's findings established the left-handed opener as a central figure in the ball-tampering ploy and suggested that it was through his persuasion that Bancroft executed the plan of altering the condition of the ball using sandpaper.

While Warner's involvement wasn't clear at first, it was only on the fourth day of the Test that his name emerged in the event when he was stood down from the position of vice-captaincy with immediate effect. Although the three players have been banned from playing international and state cricket, CA has urged the three players involved to take part in club cricket to maintain links with the cricket community.

Warner chose to speak only for himself when asked if other players were involved in the incident too. "I am here to accept my role and responsibility for what happened in Cape Town. It's inexcusable."

He also mentioned that he was hurting to not be with his team on the field in the fourth and final Test against South Africa, but also mentioned that there had to be consequences for the "'horrible decisions" that were made during the previous Test.

"It's going to take a long time to earn that respect back. It's very hard to sit here to see that my friends are playing in South Africa in the fourth Test which I wish I was a part of. The Australian cricket team is my family. I really regret what happened on Day 3. This is one thing I'm really going to miss in the next 12 months.

"We know what the consequences are when you make horrible decisions like this. I'm extremely sorry. And I really wish that Steve and Cameron have the same support that I have because it's going to be a hard 12 months," he added.

Warner, who broke down several times during the press conference, expressed his regret and apologised to his family too, promising that he will not put them in such a position again. "I want to apologise to my family, especially my wife and daughters. Your love means more than anything to me, I know I would not be anything without you. I promise you I will never put you in this position again."

While Smith and Bancroft addressed the media upon landing in Australia on Thursday, Warner had tendered a note of apology through Twitter. "Mistakes have been made which have damaged cricket. I apologise for my part and take responsibility for it. I understand the distress this has caused the sport and its fans.

"It's a stain on the game we all love and I have loved since I was a boy. I need to take a deep breath and spend time with my family, friends and trusted advisers. You will hear from me in a few days," the note read.

In the aftermath of the event that has shaken Australian cricket like never before, head coach Darren Lehmann, on Friday, broke news of hisresignation from the post, following the conclusion of the ongoing Johannesburg Test. Also, following CA's decision, BCCI too has barred both Smith and Warner from participating in the 2018 edition of the IPL. Prior to that, the duo who had been named captains (Smith of Rajasthan Royals and Warner of SunRisers Hyderabad) of their respective franchises, had announced their decision to step down.

In an otherwise riveting series, there had already taken place events that were rather distasteful, with Warner having been involved in one. Following an ugly verbal spat with Quinton de Kock on the stairwell of the dressing room on the fourth day of the Durban Test, Warner had been charged with a Level 2 offence.

Warner, alongside Smith and Bancroft, have time until Tuesday (April 3), to challenge the charge and sanction imposed on them. While the left-hander, on Saturday, offered no clarity on it, he later took to Twitter and said, "I will do my best to answer them all. But there is a formal CA process to follow. I am taking advice to make sure I properly comply with that process and answer all questions in the proper place and at the proper time."

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