Suspended opening batsman concedes he may never play international cricket again following ball-tampering scandal
Tearful Warner leaves more questions
David Warner has tearfully apologised for his role in the Cape Town ball-tampering scandal and says he's resigned to the fact he may never play for Australia again.
A devastated Warner broke down as he read a prepared statement in front of a packed press conference in Sydney on Saturday.
Describing his actions as "inexcusable and deeply regrettable", Warner apologised to teammates, support staff, Australian and South African fans and vowed to change.
"To the fans and the lovers of the game who have supported and inspired me on my journey as a cricketer, I want to sincerely apologise for betraying your trust in me," he said.
"I have let you down badly. I hope in time I can find a way to repay you for all you've given me and possibly earn your respect again.
David Warner on whether others were involved: I am here to accept my role and responsibility for what happened in Cape Town. It's inexcusable.%E2%80%94 cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) March 31, 2018
"To my teammates and support staff, I apologise for my actions and I take full responsibility for my part in what happened on day three of the Newlands Test.
"To Cricket Australia, I apologise for my actions and the effect it has had on our game under your care and control. I want you to know that I fully support your review into the culture of the Australian cricket team.
Image Id: 922F8ED8F70C42B5B872712D97C2EA8A Image Caption: Warner arriving with wife Candice // Getty"To South African players, administration and fans, I apologise unreservedly for my part in this and I am sorry. I brought the game into disrepute on your soil. South Africa is a fine cricketing nation and deserves better from its guests and deserves better from me.
"To all Australians, whether you're a cricket fan or not, I apologise for my actions. I'm sorry for the impact those actions have had on our country's reputation. I can honestly say I have only ever wanted to bring glory to my country by playing cricket. In striving to do so, I have made a decision which has had an opposite effect and it's one that I'll regret for as long as I'll live."
Warner avoided questions regarding his specific involvement in the incident that has seen him stripped of his vice-captaincy, slapped with a 12-month ban and removed from any leadership position with the national side for the rest of his career.
"There's a tiny ray of hope that I may one day be given the privilege of playing for my country again but I'm resigned to the fact that that may never happen again," the opening batsman said.
"In the coming weeks and months I'm going to look at how this happened and who I am as a man.
"I will seek out advice and expertise to help me make serious changes."