Warner apologises to fans

David Warner, the disgraced former Australia vice-captain at the heart of the ball-tampering scandal, has apologised ‘to fans in Australia and all over the world’.

In a tweet, he said: ‘Mistakes have been made which have damaged cricket. I apologise for my part and take responsibility for it.’

He was accused of being the driving force behind the plan to change the ball, using sandpaper, and for coercing Cameron Bancroft into committing the offence. According to the charge sheet produced after Cricket Australia’s investigation, Warner even showed Bancroft how to do it.

Bancroft was picked up by cameras after television producers were alerted by the prodigious swing of the ball in previous Tests, and cameras followed the ball between overs. Bancroft was spotted delving into his pocket and rubbing the ball suspiciously.

Captain Steve Smith and Warner have been banned from all Australian international and domestic cricket for 12 months, while Bancroft was barred for nine months.

Smith and Warner have also lost their IPL contracts.

Warner’s tweet added: I understand the distress this has caused the sport and its fans. 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.’