Tearful Smith takes responsibility; Warner, Bancroft also say sorry

Steve Smith today fought back sobs as he claimed full responsibility for the ball-tampering scandal that destroyed his reputation, while David Warner and Cameron Bancroft also offered their apologies for the scandal that plunged Australian cricket into turmoil.

With father Peter by his side, a visibly broken Smith faced an eager media after touching down in Sydney and broke down more than once while seeking forgiveness for plotting the now infamous ball-tampering episode in the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town.

"As captain of the Australian cricket team, I take full responsibility. I made a serious error of judgement and now I understand the consequences. It was a failure of my leadership," the 28-year-old Smith, who has been banned for a year by Cricket Australia, said while trying hard to keep his composure in a packed press conference.

Apologies also came in from Warner, declared the chief plotter, and Bancroft, the man who was entrusted the job of tampering the ball with a sand paper.

However, the three players did not say whether they will appeal against the bans imposed on them.

The most dramatic images poured in from the Sydney airport where Smith faced questions for his actions in a five-minute press conference, comforted by his father every time he broke down.

"I will do everything I can to make up for my mistake and the damage it has caused. If any good can come through this, if there can be a lesson to others, I hope I can be a force for change. I know I will regret this for the rest of my life. I am absolutely gutted," said Smith.

Smith and his deputy Warner were slapped with similar bans for their role in the incident. Opener Bancroft has been handed a nine-month suspension. Smith will not be considered for a leadership role until a year after his ban ends, while Warner has been ruled out of captaincy forever.

"I apologise for my part and take responsibility for it. I understand the distress this has caused the sport and its fans. Its a stain on the game we all love and I have loved since I was a boy," Warner posted on his Twitter page.

The 31-year-old, who can still play club cricket, said he needs time to reassess his future.

"I need to take a deep breath and spend time with my family, friends and trusted advisers. You will hear from me in a few days," he added.

In Perth, Bancroft also faced the media and sought pardon for denying using the sand paper when the controversy first broke out.

"I want to say that I'm very sorry ... I'm very disappointed and I regret my actions ... It is something I will regret for the rest of my life," the opener stated.

"I lied. I lied about the sandpaper. I panicked in that situation and I'm very sorry ... I feel like I've let everyone down in Australia," he said.

Smith hoped that forgiveness would come along in time, saying the past few days have left him absolutely gutted.

"I hope in time, I can earn back respect and forgiveness. I have been so privileged and honoured to captain the Australian cricket team. Cricket is the greatest game in the world. It has been my life and I hope it can be again. I am sorry and absolutely devastated."