Apologies issued in Australia ball-tampering controversy

    Former captain Steve Smith, vice-skipper David Warner and Cameron Bancroft have issued apologies over the ball-tampering controversy that has rocked Australian cricket.

    Smith, 28, broke down in tears at a press conference in Sydney. He said: "It was a failure of my leadership. I am deeply sorry, I love the game of cricket, I love kids wanting to play the great game of cricket that I love.

    "Any time you think about making a questionable decision, think about affecting your parents.

    "To see the way my old man has been, and my mum, it hurts. I just want to say I'm sorry for the pain I have brought to Australia and the fans and the public."

    Smith, Warner, 31, and Bancroft, 25, have been banned by Cricket Australia for the incident in the third Test against South Africa.

    More from Sport

    Listener Club

    Get more with the Listener Club!

    • Legal Show Legal Show

      Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.

    • Remix Saturdays Remix Saturdays

      Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm

    • Alim OnAir Alim OnAir

      Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.

    • Bhangra Nights Bhangra Nights

      Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm