Former Australia captain Steve Smith repeatedly broke down in tears as he accepted “full responsibility” for the ball-tampering scandal that has rocked Australian sport and left him “absolutely devastated”.

The 27-year-old has been suspended by Cricket Australia for 12 months for his role in the saga in which he helped orchestrate a plan to tamper with the ball in the third Test between Australia and South Africa in Cape Town.

Coach Darren Lehmann was cleared by CA of any involvement but announced late on Thursday night that he would step down from the role after the fourth Test.

The attempted ball-tampering plan was initiated by David Warner and carried out by Cameron Bancroft but an emotional Smith still accepted the blame as he fronted reporters at Sydney Airport on Thursday night.

“To all my teammates, to fans of cricket all over the world and to all Australians who are disappointed and angry, I’m sorry,” Smith said.

“I take full responsibility. I made a serious error of judgement and I now understand the consequences.

“It was a failure of leadership. My leadership … I know I’ll regret this for the rest of my life. I’m absolutely gutted.

“I hope in time that I can earn back respect and forgiveness. I’ve been so privileged and honoured to represent my country and captain the Australian cricket team.”

Watch the full speech from Steve Smith: ‘I’m sorry and I’m absolutely devastated’

Smith refused to point the finger at others for the incident, saying: “I don’t blame anyone. As I said, I’m the captain of the Australian team. It’s on my watch. I take responsibility.”

While Smith cried throughout the press conference, he broke down and the press conference was called to a halt when he was asked what message he would give to kids who follow cricket in Australia.

After apologising, Smith, whose father Peter offered a consoling pat on the shoulder throughout the press conference, said: “Any time you are thinking about making a questionable decision. Think about who you are affecting. You’re affecting your parents.

“To see the way my old man has been … and my mum … it hurts … I just want to say that I am sorry for the pain that I have brought to Australia and the fans and the public.

“It’s devastating. And I’m truly sorry.”

Smith has already lost lucrative sponsorship deals with Sanitarium and the Commonwealth Bank and also had his $2.4 million IPL deal with the Rajasthan Royals torn up.

South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis offered his support to the Australian.

“You don’t want to see the guy going through that stuff … he’s one of the good guys and been caught in a bad place,” du Plessis told reporters in Johannesburg.

Sacked vice-captain Warner issued a statement on social media earlier on Thursday before briefly speaking to reporters upon his return to Sydney.

“As you can understand, it’s been a tough and an emotional time for my wife and the kids,” Warner said while escorting his wife Candice and two young daughters from the airport.

“At the moment, my priority is to get these kids in bed and rest up and let my mind be clear so I can think and talk to in a couple of days.”

‘I lied about the sandpaper’

Earlier, an emotional Bancroft, who was responsible for applying the sandpaper to the ball, acknowledged that he would regret his behaviour “for the rest of my life”.

The opener said he initially claimed the sandpaper was tape because he “panicked” and said he was most heartbroken by the fact someone else would take his place in the side because of a stupid mistake.

Cameron Bancroft has played just eight Tests for Australia. Photo: Getty

“I want to say that I am very sorry. I am extremely disappointed and regret my actions,” he said.

“I know I am a role model and I have not acted like one in this instance.

“It is something that I will regret for the rest of my life.

“I lied about the sandpaper … I just panicked in that situation. I’m very sorry.

“The thing that breaks my heart the most is I have just given up my team in the spot to somebody else for free.”

Quizzed if this was the first time he had tampered with a ball, Bancroft deliberated for some time before responding.

“I have never, ever been involved in tampering with the ball,” he said.

“It completely compromises my values and what I stand for as a player and a person.”

Bancroft was non-committal when asked if he would challenge his sanction and did not want to comment when asked about Warner’s role in the incident.

Television cameras clearly showed Bancroft attempting to hide the tape in his pants. Photo: Fox Sports

‘Glaring and clear anomalies’

The case took another twist on Thursday evening when an Australian Cricketers Association (ACA) statement questioned Cricket Australia’s process.

“There are a number of glaring and clear anomalies in the process to date which causes the ACA to query the severity and proportionality of the proposed sanctions,” it read.

The ACA was particularly concerned by the “disproportionally [sic] between the proposed sanctions and those previously handed down in world cricket” for ball-tampering offences and “the rush to place players before the world’s media last Saturday night without the benefit of considered and coherent advice”.

But not everyone was unhappy, with the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) praising CA’s handling of the situation.

“The ASC is pleased Cricket Australia has taken decisive action to reinforce its commitment to the values of fair play and integrity,” it read.

“This week has seen a strong reaffirmation of the importance all Australians attach to these values.

“This is a great sign for the future of sport in our country.”

The ASC added it was awaiting the independent review into the conduct and culture of the Australian men’s team.