- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Cameron Bancroft and Steve Smith have faced the music at press conferences in Perth and Sydney respectively, with both emotional attempting to explain their actions after the ball tampering saga in Cape Town last week.
It was the first time either had spoken since straight after play on Day 3 in Cape Town, when they admitted to the world ball tampering had taken place during South Africa’s innings in the post-lunch session.
Bancroft spoke first at the WACA after his flight touched down at Perth Airport. He was understandably emotional, but the theme for both players was about how sorry they both were.
The Western Australian opening batsman talked about his plans moving forward.
“Words don’t mean much in these circumstances, so I’ll focus on my actions and conduct moving forward,” said Bancroft.
“Not a second has gone by since last Saturday that I don’t wish to turn back time and do the right thing during the lunch break.
“All I can ask for is forgiveness. I will do my best to contribute to the community.”
When Smith fronted the press in Sydney almost an hour later, he was even more emotional, the conference being shut down shortly after questioning started.
Smith took full responsibility for the teams actions in a hard-to-watch press conference.
“What happened in Cape Town has already been laid out. Tonight, I want to make it clear that as captain, I take full responsibility, said Smith.
“I made a serious error of judgement and I understand the consequences. It was a failure of leadership – my leadership. I’ll do everything to make up for my mistake and the damage it’s caused.
“I know I will regret this for the rest of my life. I’m absolutely gutted. I hope in time, I can earn back respect and forgiveness. I have been honoured to play for and captain the Australian cricket team. Cricket is the greatest sport in the world and I’m absolutely devastated.”
Build your own fantasy cricket team and put it to the test with Draftstars daily fantasy competitions. Pick your match, pick your team and watch the points roll in to take out cash prizes on each match. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit.