STEVE SMITH STATEMENT
TO FANS of cricket all over the world and all Australians who are disappointed and angry, I’m sorry. I want to make clear that as captain of the Australia cricket team I take full responsibility. I made a serious error of judgment and I understand the consequences. It was a failure of leadership. I’ll do everything I can to make up for my mistake and the damage it’s caused. If any good can come of this, if there can be a lesson to others, then I hope I can be a force for change. I know I’ll regret this for the rest of my life, I’m absolutely gutted. I hope I can earn back respect and forgiveness. I’ve been so privileged and honoured to represent my country and captain the Australian cricket team. Cricket is the greatest game in the world. It’s been my life and I hope it can be again. I’m sorry and I’m absolutely devastated. It was a huge error of judgment and I’m deeply sorry. To my knowledge this (ball tampering) has never happened before. This is the first time I’ve seen this happen and I can assure you it will never be happening again. I don’t blame anyone. I’m the captain, it’s on my watch and I take responsibility for what happened in Cape Town. I’m deeply sorry, I love the game of cricket, I love entertaining young kids, I love kids wanting to play the great game of cricket that I love. Any time you think about making a questionable decision, think about who you’re affecting. You’re affecting your parents and to see the way my old man’s been... and my mum... it hurts. I just want to say I’m sorry for the pain I’ve brought to Australia and the fans and public. It’s devastating and I’m truly sorry.