A devastated Steven Smith has broken down as he admitted the Cape Town ball-tampering scandal was a failure of his leadership. Meanwhile, Smith came back today after getting a 12 months ban and stripped of the Australian captaincy for at least two years.
While owning up to the mistakes committed during the third Test, Smith broke down in front of the media. He also admitted making up for the mistakes and the damage it caused.
“I want to, as captain of the Australian cricket team, I take full responsibility,” he said. “I will do everything I can to make up for my mistake and the damage it’s caused,” Smith added.
The former Australian skipper also urged everybody to think before taking any questionable decision. Further, he also talked about being a force to bring a change in the coming years.
“If any good is to come from this it can be a lesson for others and 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,” he mentioned.
In conclusion, Smith hoped to earn back his respect and forgiveness of the people of Australia.
“I also hope in time I can earn back respect and forgiveness, I’ve been so privileged and honoured to represent my country and captain the Australian Cricket Team,” he concluded.
Further, here is the Twitter reactions post Steven Smith’s break down:
https://twitter.com/MitchJohnson398/status/979280408217923584
Just bloody awful! The boy is distraught and devastated! Smith will come back and he will be bigger and better! https://t.co/udD9f14WRT
— Dean Jones AM (@ProfDeano) March 29, 2018
WOW! My heart is breaking for Steve Smith. That was brutal. So brave and so well spoken. Can’t imagine how he and his family are feeling. This incident aside, I’m still very proud of everything he’s done for the country @FOXSportsNews pic.twitter.com/TQMxVg3gep
— Emma Lawrence (@emmalawrence90) March 29, 2018
https://twitter.com/AzzamAmeen/status/979282696198242305
Steve Smith broke down in tears as he addressed the media. The star cricketer repeated he was ‘deeply sorry' for his actions. https://t.co/7XA7EM8p11 pic.twitter.com/9Tze8jD5KT
— Brittany Mitchell (@BrittMitchell11) March 29, 2018
DEVASTATING!
— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) March 29, 2018
Steve Smith in tears … you have to feel sorry for this guy for he is actually a decent bloke who has made a mistake he feels gutted about!! #SandpaperGate #SAvAus pic.twitter.com/xGHBTR7Gvh
— Zaahier Adams (@ZaahierAdams) March 29, 2018
By breaking down @stevesmith49 has shown he’s human…he’s asking for forgiveness and hopes to earn back respect.
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) March 29, 2018
Let’s hope that’s the low point for Smith. Onwards and upwards.
— Lawrence Booth (@the_topspin) March 29, 2018
Real Tears Vs Crocodile Tears. pic.twitter.com/Qy5rTSCRT6
— Krishna (@Atheist_Krishna) March 29, 2018
My heart is breaking for Steve Smith right now. I know he stuffed up but this is tough to watch.
— Neroli Meadows (@Neroli_Meadows) March 29, 2018
https://twitter.com/JohnnyClark83/status/979279866171293696
To that “journo” who just looked Steve Smith in the eye … and compared this to Married at First sight.
You’re a knob and I hope you never work in the media again
— Tom Chadwick (@TomChadwick_7) March 29, 2018
https://twitter.com/SebCostello9/status/979279626085289985
Steve Smith in tears during the press conference upon his arrival in Australia. "I'm sorry and I am devastated" #Cricket #BallTampering pic.twitter.com/e7XWhbXE6h
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) March 29, 2018
Time to give Steve Smith a break,I think.
— LaurieOakes (@LaurieOakes) March 29, 2018
Did @kyleandjackieo seriously send someone to the Steve smith presser to ask a stunt question for a bit of publicity? What a joke. And people wonder why the media is hated at times. Honestly.
— Sharnelle Vella (@SharnelleVella) March 29, 2018
2 out of the 3 players fronting up to the media .. Speaking honestly and in great regret .. 1 speaking through a statement on social media .. !!!
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 29, 2018
I desperately hope Steve Smith stays strong, recovers and returns to international cricket. I desperately hope Cameron Bancroft is not scarred and, like his captain, is able to make best use of a second chance.
— Neil Manthorp (@NeilManthorp) March 29, 2018
Still reeling from watching Steve Smith’s anguish at his press conference tonight. We rarely see such genuine contrition in public life. All credit to him and Cameron Bancroft for owning their actions and fronting the media. I really hope they’re well supported.
— Jenny Brockie (@JenBrockie) March 29, 2018
Steve Smith is a great man
— BUZZ ROTHFIELD (@BuzzRothfield) March 29, 2018
https://twitter.com/RestingPlayers/status/979283236504219648
Steve Smith shedding tears in distress. His reputation for cheating will never go away.
Disappointment, embarrassment and remorse shown by the acclaimed ‘best since Donald Bradman.’ #SteveSmith pic.twitter.com/ncnrnP47Gv
— Seam Up Cricket (@SeamUp) March 29, 2018
No one's perfect. A terrible lapse in judgement but good people make mistakes. Credit to Steve Smith for fronting up. Now let’s give him some time and space.
— Bill Shorten (@billshortenmp) March 29, 2018
Just spent 20 minutes consoling my crying 9 year old who is a major Steve Smith fan after he watched the press conference. Encouraging him and all kids to write Steve a letter telling him how much you love and admire him.
— Deborah Knight (@deborah_knight) March 29, 2018
I fkin love Steve Smith.
— David King (@davidking34) March 29, 2018
Steve Smith full of regret & remorse. Breaks your heart. Let’s get around him. pic.twitter.com/oGHjwGGlLI
— Kath Loughnan (@KathLoughnan) March 29, 2018
Further, here is the newsfeed:
Sunrisers Hyderabad approach Kusal Perera to replace David Warner
Kane Williamson appointed as new captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad
