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.

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