Australia's Warner apologises to fans for 'mistakes... which damaged cricket'

Disgraced Australian opener David Warner on Thursday apologised to fans and said he took responsibility for his part in the ball-tampering in the third Test against South Africa last weekend.

Breaking his silence in an Instagram post, Warner wrote, "Mistakes have been made which have damaged cricket. I apologise for my part and take responsibility for it."

"I understand the distress this has caused the sport and its fans," Warner, who is on his way back to Sydney, told his 1.6 million Instagram followers. "It's a stain on the game we all love and I have loved since I was a boy.

"I need to take a deep breath and spend time with my family, friends and trusted advisers.

"You will hear from me in a few days."

 

The scandal sent shockwaves in the world of cricket.

Vice-captain Warner, along with skipper Steve Smith, have been banned from all international and domestic cricket for a year for their behaviour. 

Opening batsman Cameron Bancroft has been suspended for nine months.

Warner, a hard-hitting batsman but divisive figure in the world game, has become the focus of Australian media, who blame him for the scandal.

Cricket Australia has charged him with developing the plan to use sandpaper to alter the ball and instructing Bancroft to carry it out.

The fallout from the crisis has seen Warner dumped by sponsors ASICS and LG.

Along with Steve Smith, he has also been ejected from this year's Indian Premier League, losing contracts worth nearly US$2 million each.

(With inputs from AFP)