Banned Test skipper Steve Smith is talking publicly for the first time after his one-year ban for ball tampering, after flying in to Australia from South Africa.

Smith’s appearance comes after an emotional Cameron Bancroft apologised for his role in the ball-tampering scandal, and asked for forgiveness from the public, reports theaustralian.com.au.

Facing the press in Perth after his nine-month suspension, Bancroft said he had never been involved in ball tampering before, and regretted the incident.

‘I want to say that I’m very sorry,’ he said. ‘I love the game of cricket and playing for my state and my country — there is no greater pride for me.

‘Not a second has gone by when I wish I could turn back time.

‘I’m very disappointed and I regret my actions. It is something I will regret for the rest of my life. All I can do is ask for forgiveness. I will do my best to contribute to the community.

‘I feel like I’ve let everyone down in Australia and I’m not proud of that, It will take time for that to heal and earn the respect back.’

Bancroft said he had panicked and lied when questioned about the incident after play, when he said he had used tape to try and scuff the ball.

‘I lied. I lied about the sandpaper. I panicked in that situation and I’m very sorry ... I feel like I’ve let everyone down in Australia.’

The 25-year-old declined to answer directly when asked if he had been bullied into tampering with the ball.

‘I’m not here to comment about other players,’ he said. ‘I want to show how sorry I am, at the end of the day they are my actions and I am accountable. They don’t reflect my values, it’s something I’m ashamed of and am so sorry.

‘I have never ever been involved in tampering with a ball (before now) ... it compromises my values and what I stand for as a player and a person.

‘The thing that breaks my heart the most is that I’ve given up my spot in the team for free. People know I worked so hard to get to this point in my career and to have given up that chance for free is devastating.’

Bancroft, who has played eight Tests, will be forced to complete 100 hours of voluntary service in community cricket as part of his ban from Cricket Australia.

‘I know it’s going to be a difficult journey back,’ he said. ‘But the moment I step foot outside this room is the moment I take steps forward to earning that respect back and get back that dream I’ve had as a kid growing up, and that’s playing Test cricket for Australia’

Warner apologises for his role in tampering scandal.

David Warner has issued an apology via social media after being banned for 12 months by Cricket Australia for his role in a ball-tampering plot during the third test against South Africa.

Warner, who has lost two sponsors already, said he is on his way back to Australia from South Africa and added: ‘You will hear from me in a few days.’

Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft, who were banned for 12 months and nine months each, will arrive in Australia before Warner and face what were anticipated to be packed news conferences.

In a statement released via Twitter and Instagram, Warner admitted ‘Mistakes have been made which have damaged cricket. I apologise for my part and take responsibility for it.

‘I understand the distress this has caused the sport and its fans.’

The 31-year-old opening batsman said he needs to take a ‘deep breath’ and spend time with his family and advisers, adding Smith and Warner were each banned for 12 months on Wednesday after an investigation into the attempted ball tampering last weekend.

Cricket Australia said Warner instructed Bancroft how to carry out the tampering with a piece of sandpaper.