Hope Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft will learn from ball-tampering episode: Johnson
Canberra, Mar 29 (IBNS): Former Australian cricketer Mitchell Johnson on Thursday expressed his hope that ball-tampering tainted cricketers Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft will learn from the episode and 'be better' in future.
"Tough to watch Cameron & Steve go through the 2 statements they just made. They will learn from this & be better in the future I’m sure!," Johnson tweeted.
Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft appeared before the media on Thursday after returning to Australia and apologised for their acts on the field during the recently held third Test match against South Africa.
With tears rolling down his cheeks, former Australian skipper Steve Smith, who has been handed a 12-month ban by Cricket Australia after his name emerged in the ball-tampering scam, said he will regret the episode for the rest of his life.
Taking all responsibilities, Smith told media: "I made a serious error of judgement and I can understand the serious consequence."
"I don't blame anyone. I'm the captain of the Australian team. It's on my watch and I take responsibility for what happened last Saturday," he said on the recent ball tampering incident which hit Australian cricket hard and left millions of fans shocked across the globe.
"I will now regret it for the rest of my life," an emotional Smith said.
Smith, who repeatedly broke down during the conference, said the entire episode left him 'devastated'.
He was banned for a Test by ICC after the entire ball tampering episode came to light during the recently concluded third Test match against South Africa.
South Africa defeated Australia in the third Test to go up in the series 2-1.
Smith and David Warner, his deputy, were handed 12 months ban from playing international cricket by Cricket Australia on Wednesday.
Cameron Bancroft, who was caught red-handed during the act, said on Thursday he will regret his involvement.
"I want to say that I am very sorry," Cameron Bancroft told the media after reaching Australia.
"I love the game of cricket and playing for my nation and my state there is no greater pride for me.
“I am extremely disappointed and regret my actions," he said.
Cameron has been banned from playing international cricketer by the Australian cricket board for nine months.
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