An emotional Cameron Bancroft has “asked for forgiveness” after arriving back in Australia in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal, which has seen the opening batsman banned for nine months.

Bancroft, holding back tears, met the media at the WACA headquarters in Perth, apologising for his actions in Cape Town where he used sandpaper in an attempt to tamper with the ball during the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town.

“I’ve had time to reflect on the events in Cape Town and the punishments handed down to me by the ICC and Cricket Australia and I want to say I’m very sorry,” Bancroft said.

“I love the game of cricket and playing for my nation and my state, there is no greater pride to me.

“I am extremely disappointed and regret my actions.

“I’m sorry too to those people who looked up to me around the world especially the kids.”

Bancroft said it had sunk in how he had let so many people down as a result of the incident.

“I know I’m a role model … I understand I have let many people down and I understand the disappointment in the broader community,” he said.

“Words don’t mean much in these circumstances so I’ll focus on my actions and conduct going forward.

“Not a second has gone by since Saturday evening when I haven’t wished to turn back time and do the right thing during the lunch break.

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