STEVE SMITH'S FULL STATEMENT FOLLOWING HIS ONE-YEAR BAN FOR AUSTRALIAN CRICKET'S BALL-TAMPERING SCANDAL: "Good evening, thanks for coming. I appreciate it.
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"To all of my teammates, to fans of cricket all over the world and all Australians who are disappointed and angry, I'm sorry.
"What happened in Cape Town has already been laid out by Cricket Australia.
"Tonight I want to make clear that as captain of the Australian cricket team, I take full responsibility. I made a serious error of judgment and I now understand the consequences.
"It was a failure of leadership, on my leadership. I'll do everything I can to make up for my mistake and the damage it's caused.
"If any good can come of this, if it can be a lesson to others then I hope I can be a force for change.
"I know I will regret this for the rest of my life. I'm absolutely gutted. I hope in time I can earn back respect and forgiveness.
"I've been so privileged and honoured to represent my country and captain the Australian cricket team. Cricket is the greatest game in the world. It's been my life and I hope it can be again.
"I'm sorry and I'm absolutely devastated."
Australian Associated Press