IT’S A CRYING
Tears all round as Smith, Warner, Bancroft and Lehmann face exile from the game they love... but have now disgraced
IN the end, Steve Smith played it beautifully.
Tears, contrition, a loving squeeze on the shoulder from his dad and the sort of apology Australia had been desperate to hear.
This is what their rage was asking for and they got it as their one-time leader showed his vulnerability, spoke from the heart and showed that even though it is only a game, cricket means the world to him.
“I want to make clear that as captain of the Australian cricket team, I want to take full responsibility,” said Smith, sucking in deep breaths, with his dad Peter stood behind him in support. “I made an error of judgment and I accept the consequences. It was a failure of leadership, my leadership.
“I’ll do everything I can to make up for my mistake and the damage it has caused. I will regret this for the rest of my life. I’m gutted. I hope in time I can earn back respect and forgiveness.
“Cricket is the greatest game and has been my life, I hope it can be again. I’m sorry and I’m absolutely devastated.
“The other thing is anytime you think about making a questionable decision, think about whom you are affecting.” At this point it all got a bit much for the former skipper as he broke down in tears. He wanted to make two points, but could not recall the second.
“You think about your parents, to see the way my old man is standing here... and my mum... I’m sorry I can’t remember. I just want to say I’m sorry, sorry for the pain I’ve brought to Australia and the public.”
Cameron Bancroft also fronted up to the glare of the cameras and took a few questions.
Bancroft, whose plans to play in England this summer have been cancelled by Somerset, just about held back the tears welling up, saying: “I will focus on my actions and my conduct going forward. I will regret this for the rest of my life.
“I want to show how sorry I am and they are my actions that I am accountable for and they don’t reflect on my values and what I have grown up to be.
“It is something I am very ashamed of and so sorry for.”
David Warner, the final man in the trio and considered the brains behind the brainless scheme, released a statement on social media declaring: “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.”
By the time coach Darren Lehmann, back in South Africa, tearfully became the fourth casualty of the scandal, the script was well worn.
He will leave after the final Test of their tour, which starts today, and said: “Like all Australians we’re extremely disappointed and as a team.
“We know we’ve let so many people down and for that we’re truly sorry. The players have been handed down very serious sanctions and they know they must face serious consequences.