I hope I can earn back respect: Steve Smith

While facing the media for the first time after the ball-tampering fiasco, Steve Smith broke into tears as he apologised for orchestrating the act that "has brought pain to the nation and fans."

Smith, who was addressing a press conference here on Thursday, said he wished to earn back the lost respect.

"I will regret this for the rest of my life. I'm absolutely gutted. I hope in time I can earn back respect and forgiveness. Cricket is the greatest game in the world. It has been my life and I hope it will be again," said while breaking down in tears repeatedly.

"I will do everything I can do to make up for my mistake and the damage it has caused. If any good can come of this, it can be a lesson to others, and I hope can be a cause for change," he added.

The 28-year-old, who was banned for 12 months from international cricket by Cricket Australia for his involvement in the ball tampering scandal, took the complete responsibility of the act and termed it a serious error of judgment.

"I am sorry. I want to make it clear that as captain of the Australia Cricket team, I take full responsibility. I made a serious error of judgment and I now understand the consequences."

"I've been privileged and honored to represent my country. Cricket has been my life and I hope it can be again. I'm sorry and I'm absolutely devastated. I don't blame anyone. I'm the captain of the Australian team. It's on my watch and I take responsibility for what happened," Smith, the top-ranked Test batsman in the world said.