"I have only ever wanted to bring glory to my country in playing cricket. In striving to do so, I have made a decision which has had the opposite effect, and it's one I will regret for as long as I live"
Saturday 31 March 2018 14:29, UK
A tearful David Warner apologised for his role in the Australian ball-tampering scandal as he spoke at his first press conference following the incident.
Warner read out a prepared statement to the media before fielding questions, where he stopped short of revealing if any further players, or coaches, beyond himself, Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft had been involved in the plot, and if it was his idea.
In answer to the question, Warner said: "I am here today to accept my role, my responsibility, my involvement in what happened in Cape Town. It's inexcusable. I'm deeply sorry.
"I'll do everything I can to earn that respect back."
Warner then took to Twitter, where he acknowledged that there were still "unanswered questions".
Warner also cast doubts over his future in the game, when non-committal in answering a question on whether he was considering retirement. He said: "That's something I will continue to sit down with my family and weigh up all the options before making any decision."
Warner broke down in tears while reading out his full statement, where he said: "To the fans and the lovers of the game who have supported and inspired me on my journey as a cricketer, I want to sincerely apologise for betraying your trust in me. I have let you down badly.
"I hope in time I can find a way to repay you for all you have given me and possibly earn your respect again.
"To my team-mates and support staff, I apologise for my actions and I take full responsibility for my part in what happened on day three in the Newlands Test.
"To Cricket Australia, I apologise for my actions and the effect it has had on our game, under your care and control. I want you to know that I fully support your review into the culture of the Australian cricket team.
"To South Africa, the players, administrators and fans, I apologise unreservedly for my part in this, and I am sorry. I brought the game into disrepute on your soil. South Africa is a fine cricketing nation and it deserved better from its guests and better from me.
"To all Australians, whether you're a cricket fan or not, I apologise for my actions and the impact those actions have had on our country's reputation.
"I can honestly say I have only ever wanted to bring glory to my country in playing cricket. In striving to do so, I have made a decision which has had the opposite effect, and it's one I will regret for as long as I live.
"I do realise I am responsible for my own actions and the consequences that brings. It is heart-breaking to know that I'll not be taking the field with my team-mates, who I love and respect and who I have let down.
"Right now, it is hard to know what comes next but, first and foremost, is the well-being of my family.
"In the back of my mind, I suppose there is a tiny ray of hope that I may one day be given the privilege of playing for my country again. But, I am resigned to the fact that that may never happen.
"In the coming weeks and months, I am going to look at how this happened, and who I am as a man. To be honest, at the moment I am not too sure how I will do this, but I will seek out advice and expertise to help me make serious changes.
"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'm very sorry for putting you through this and I promise I will never put you in this position again.
"I take full responsibility for my part in what happened and I am deeply sorry for the consequences of what I was involved in.
"I failed in my responsibilities as vice-captain of the Australian cricket team."
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