Warner breaks down, apologises for ball-tampering

Former Australia vice-captain says he will decide on an appeal after discussion with family

SYDNEY/ GOLD COAST: Former Australia vice-captain David Warner apologised in tears Saturday for his role in ball-tampering but said he may appeal his 12-month ban in the latest emotional public appearance over the scandal.

A sobbing Warner said he realised he may never play for his country again. But he stonewalled questions about who was aware of the plot and whether it was the first such incident within the team.

Warner, 31, told a media conference in Sydney: "I can honestly say I have only wanted to bring glory to my country through playing cricket. In striving to do so I have made the decision which has had the opposite effect and it's one that I will regret for as long as I live."

Warner's appearance comes after similar heartfelt apologies by opening batsman Cameron Bancroft and captain Steve Smith, who broke down when he faced the media on Thursday.

Coach Darren Lehmann, convinced to step down after seeing the apologies from Bancroft and Smith, was also tearful as he announced his resignation.

Smith and Warner were banned from international and domestic cricket for a year and Bancroft was suspended for nine months after the incident during the third Test in Cape Town.

When questioned about a possible appeal, Warner said: "That's something that I will continue to sit down with my family and weigh up all my considerations before I make any decisions."

Warner, who struggled to control his emotions during his 10-minute media conference, apologised to both teams, their fans, Cricket Australia and his family, including his wife Candice who was also crying as she watched from the media seats.

But when asked for further details of the plot, such as whether it was his idea, who else was aware and whether it had happened before, he avoided the question.

"I am here today to accept my responsibility for my part and my involvement for what happened in Cape Town," Warner said. "It's inexcusable, I am deeply sorry. I will do everything I can to earn back the respect of the Australian public."

‘Commonwealth Games to restore Australia's reputation’

Bullish hosts Australia said the Commonwealth Games will restore the country's battered sporting reputation on Saturday after a cricket ball-tampering scandal which drew criticism from around the world.

It comes just days before the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast and Peter Beattie, chairman of local organisers GOLDOC, said: "Cricket has obviously damaged our national standing but the Commonwealth Games will restore it, very simply.

"Because the measures that have come in for drug-testing means these will be the cleanest Games, they'll be friendly Games and at the end of it our reputation globally will be restored."