An emotional David Warner has issued an unreserved apology for his actions in the ball-tampering scandal, saying he made a decision that he “will regret as long as I live”.
The cricketer said he took full responsibility and repeatedly broke down as he faced the media at the SCG for the first time since being stripped of the vice-captaincy of the Australian cricket team.
He admitted he had brought the game into disrepute and apologised to fans, his family and to South Africa, which he praised as a “fine nation” that deserved better.
Warner, who was identified by Cricket Australia as the architect of the events that unfolded during the third Test in Cape Town, was handed a 12-month ban and sent home along with Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft.
The trio arrived back in Australia separately on Thursday, when Smith and Bancroft fronted the media in emotionally charged appearances, but Warner did not speak at length, pausing just to say he would have his say in the coming days.
He previously issued a statement admitting ball tampering was a “stain on the game”.
The 31-year-old has already paid a heavy financial price for his role in events on the pitch in Cape Town, with the electronics giant LG and the sportswear manufacturer Asics ending their sponsorship deals with him.
Smith and Bancroft have also been dumped by sponsors while Cricket Australia has also been hit hard in the pocket, with naming rights sponsor Magellan pulling out of a major deal on Thursday.