David Warner breaks his silence; apologizes for ball-tampering

At the moment, the most trending topic on cricket is the ball tampering scandal and not the performances on the field. Currently, there are two test matches ongoing but it seems that the sandpaper gate has overshadowed everything and fans all over the world are talking about it.

Though the ICC suspended Steve Smith for just one game and fined him 100% of his match fees, Cricket Australia handed bigger punishments to the trio of David Warner, Steve Smith, and Cameron Bancroft. While Smith and Warner were banned from cricket for a year, Bancroft has been slapped with a nine-month ban.

May not represent the Baggy Green again

The trio was sent back to Australia after which Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft addressed the media. The former broke down on several occasions while apologizing to everybody for his actions. David Warner spoke to the media for the first time on March 31 after the incident. Warner took “full responsibility” for his involvement in the unceremonious ball-tampering episode and admitted that his actions were ‘inexcusable’. HE apologized to Cricket Australia, his teammates, South Africa and his family for letting them down.

“I’ve let you down badly. I hope in time I’m able to repay all you’ve given me and possibly earn your respect again. To my teammates, I apologize and take full responsibility. To CA, I apologize for my actions and the effect it has had on our game under your care and control,” David Warner said while breaking his silence on the whole episode.

However, the bigger revelation came when the 30-year old admitted that his wish to play for his country may not happen ever again. “I do realize I am responsible for my own actions, it’s heartbreaking to know I won’t be taking the field with my teammates that I love and respect and have let down. In the back of my mind, there is a tiny ray of hope I may one day play for my country again, although I know that may not ever happen. “ Warner added.

After an investigation conducted by CA’s head of integrity Iain Roy, the board banned the trio and also stated that Smith and Bancroft will not be considered for captaincy for a minimum of 12 months after they complete their suspension and Warner will never be considered for the position in the future again. The findings of the investigation consider Warner to be a central figure in the scandal and he is said to have played a key role in persuading Bancroft to execute the plan.

The Aussies are currently playing the fourth test against South Africa and they are without the series of their key players. All the hard working that the left-hander has done over the past years has been undone in a day. It is going to take a long time to earn that respect back and Warner will regret it for the rest of his life.

Warner, alongside Smith and Bancroft, have time until Tuesday (April 3), to challenge the charge and sanction imposed on them. Warner has played 76 tests for Australia and has scored 6363 runs at an average of 48. In the 106 ODI’s that he has played, he has amassed over 4343 runs at an average of 43. He clearly is one of the most successful players in Australia and for him to commit such a deed is very disheartening for a cricket fan.