Sacked Australian cricket vice-captain Dave Warner has admitted he may never play cricket for his country again, apologising for “his part” in the ball-tampering scandal that has brought the game into disrepute.

Speaking at a press conference at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday morning, Warner said while there was a “ray of hope I may one day play again … I am resigned to the fact that may never happen”.

Warner was suspended from representative cricket for a year and banned from ever holding a leadership position in the national team for his part in a plan to illegally tamper with the ball during the third Test between Australia and South Africa in Cape Town.

Opening batsman Cameron Bancroft was caught on camera during the match using sandpaper to scuff up the ball and provide the Australian bowlers with an unfair advantage.

Tears streamed down Warner’s face as he told assembled media about impact of the incident on his wife and children.

Pausing frequently to compose himself, he apologised to his wife and daughters, team mates, support staff, Cricket Australia and the Australian public.

“I hope in time I can repay all you’ve given me and earn your respect again,” he said

Warner was targeted by South African fans during the tour. Vile sledging of a sexual nature directed at his wife appeared to aggravate the opening batsman.

Earlier in the series, Warner was caught on camera behaving aggressively towards South African player Quinton de Kock on the way to the dressing room.

Warner said he unreservedly apologised to South Africa for “his part” in the ball-tampering scandal.

“South Africa is a fine cricketing nation and deserves better from its guests and from me,” he said

“I brought the game into disrepute.”

During the press conference Warner repeatedly dodged questions about whether anyone else in the team, such as the coach or other senior players, knew about the ball-tampering plot.

“I am here to apologise for my part,” he said.

When journalists attempted to push for an answer, a minder shut down by yelling: “One question each!”

After the press conference, Warner acknowledged in a series of Twitter posts there were unanswered questions, but had to comply with a former Cricket Australia process.

1/3 I know there are unanswered questions and lots of them. I completely understand. In time i will do my best to answer them all. But there is a formal CA process to follow.

— David Warner (@davidwarner31) March 31, 2018

2/3 I am taking advice to make sure I properly comply with that process and answer all questions in the proper place and at the proper time.

— David Warner (@davidwarner31) March 31, 2018

3/3 I should have mentioned that in my press conference I’m sorry for not making it clearer. With so much at stake for my family and cricket I have to follow this process properly. I think that’s fair.

— David Warner (@davidwarner31) March 31, 2018

Warner spoke briefly to reporters at Sydney airport on Thursday night after returning from South Africa on a different plane from his former captain Steve Smith and suspended opening partner Cameron Bancroft.

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

“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.”