Wednesday 28 March 2018 10:03, UK
Steve Waugh has said the Australian players showed a "serious error in judgement" which has left him "deeply troubled".
Waugh's comments come in the aftermath of the ball-tampering scandal, with Australia's Cameron Bancroft caught on camera attempting to manipulate the ball using sticky tape during the third Test against South Africa.
Australia captain, Steve Smith, was handed a one-Test ban after admitting Bancroft's actions were planned by the "leadership group" in Australia's team.
"Like many, I'm deeply troubled by the events in Cape Town this last week, and acknowledge the thousands of messages I have received, mostly from heartbroken cricket followers worldwide," Waugh said.
"The Australian Cricket team has always believed it could win in any situation against any opposition, by playing combative, skilful and fair cricket, driven by our pride in the fabled Baggy Green.
"I have no doubt the current Australian team continues to believe in this mantra, however, some have now failed our culture, making a serious error of judgement in the Cape Town Test match."
Waugh, who captained Australia's Test side from 1999 to 2004, played an instrumental role in drafting the Spirit of Cricket Project alongside then vice-captain Ricky Ponting in 2003.
The document outlined commitments that would be made toward the players' on-and-off-field behaviour, values and principles within the team, and their treatment of opposition players, fans, and players' families, in addition to respect for the game's governing bodies.
"I will support all positive action to ensure an outcome for the betterment of the game, regaining the trust and faith of every fan of cricket," Waugh added.
