Ball tampering: Here's what David Warner said about Steve Smith, Cameron Bancroft
Sydney: While Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft largely preferred to talk about their individual role in the ball-tampering saga, David Warner, as he apologised on Saturday for his involvement in the row, did not hold sharing his views about the two...albeit briefly.
The cricket fraternity was taken a back after Bancroft was caught changing the condition of the ball illegally during the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town on March 24. Bancroft's subsequent admission and Smith's revelation of knowing about the plot drew a widespread criticism as Warner was said to be the instigator in the entire row.
Warner, who arrived in Australia after Cricket Australia announced that he will face 12 months ban, addressed the media in teary-eyed press conference earlier on Saturday. While the former vice-captain admitted that he may never play for Australia ever again, he had a word of sympathy for Smith and Bancroft.
When asked, "Did you realise how serious the crime was at the time?", Warner said, "We know what the consequences are when you make horrible decisions like this. As I said, I'm extremely sorry for my part and my role that I played in this. And I really wish, and hope, that Steve and Cameron have the same support that I have with me, because it's going to be a tough and emotional time these next 12 months."
There were reports that Warner had irked his teammates and they wanted him to be removed from the team hotel in the wake of the ball-tampering row. It was also learnt Warner, in his attempt to shield himself, had said that everyone knew about the plot, a suggestion which apparently did not go down too well with the pace-bowling spearhead Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and spinner Nathan Lyon.
Warner, during Saturday's media interaction was asked, "What's your relationship like with Steve, Cameron, Mitchell Starc? Do you think any damage can be repaired?"
Warner made it clear that they are "mates" before adding that he, Smith and Bancroft made an extremely regrettable decision.
"We're mates. We've grown up with each other. We've played on the field for a long time with each other. It's going to be really tough not being able to partake in the next 12 months, not just with the rest of the team but with Steve and Cameron, because we made a decision that was inexcusable and extremely regrettable," concluded Warner.
