Sandpaper Gate | David Warner admits that he may not play for Australia again

Warner was banned for a year by Cricket Australia for initiating and asking a junior player to carry on a mean act like ball tampering on the field. Along with the sanction, the cricket board also banned the talismanic opener from leading the side anytime in the future. While Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft immediately faced the media after reaching Australia and requested the world to forgive them, Warner was the only exception left and everyone was waiting for him to face the media. The moment came in the morning today as the disgraced opener took the 'full responsibility' for the unceremonious saga that rocked the Australian cricket. 

While after the heavy sanctions, the world of Twitter went into a tizzy and after Smith’s emotional presser, the entire world asked him to forgive him for the act. However, Warner, who was already reprimanded by the ICC for his physical altercation with Quinton de Kock in the first Test in Durban, didn’t get a lot of sympathy due to the bad history that he has. The opener, who stated his strong desire to play for the country at the earliest, also admitted that he is unsure If he can every play for the country in the future. 

While reiterating he committed a huge mistake, Warner decided not to speak anything about other players’ involvement in the incident too. 

"I am here to accept my role and responsibility for what happened in Cape Town. It's inexcusable. It's going to take a long time to earn that respect back. It's very hard to sit here to see that my friends are playing in South Africa in the fourth Test which I wish I was a part of. The Australian cricket team is my family. I really regret what happened on Day 3. This is one thing I'm really going to miss in the next 12 months.

Warner, pretty much like Smith, Bancroft and Darren Lehmann, also broke down several times during the press conference and also expressed his regret for his involvement in an act that brought shame to the entire cricketing fraternity. The 30-year-old also apologised to his family and promised that he will never do such a mistake again. 

"I want to apologise to my family, especially my wife and daughters. Your love means more than anything to me, I know I would not be anything without you. I promise you I will never put you in this position again."

"Mistakes have been made which have damaged cricket. I apologize for my part and take responsibility for it. 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," he stated.