“I’m sorry and I’m absolutely devastated.”

Steve Smith has fought back tears, apologising to the Australian public in the wake of the ball tampering scandal.

He has vowed to do everything he can to make up for his mistake.

“I want to make clear that as captain of the Australian cricket team, I take full responsibility,” he says.

“It was a failure of leadership, of my leadership.

“I know I’ll regret this for the rest of my life. I’m absolutely gutted. I hope in time I can earn back respect and forgiveness.

“I’m sorry and I’m absolutely devastated.”

Cameron Bancroft also spoke this evening, stating his actions weren’t in the “spirit of the game”.

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

Click PLAY below to hear Steve Smith’s emotional address