Warner humbled by the support received

Disgraced Australian cricketer David Warner said on Saturday he was humbled by the support received following the cheating scandal that rocked the sport, with the feisty opener refocused on his family.

Warner was considered the mastermind behind the plan to use sandpaper to tamper with the ball during the third Test in South Africa in March.

Speaking for the first time since an emotional press conference to apologise last month, Warner told Australian newspaper NT News he was using his time away from cricket to reconnect with his family.

“I think the biggest thing for us has been when you are in a routine you can get caught in a bubble — cricket, hotels, packing your bags, coming home,” he said.

Family activities like children’s swimming lessons and gymnastics classes are now priorities, he said.

“I am making time now and it is worthwhile,” Warner added.

“I’ve missed that part where the kids run up to the gate saying ‘Mummy and Daddy are here’ and I am really enjoying and embracing that.”

‘Overwhelming’

The former vice-captain said the support he has received during the fallout from the scandal had been “humbling and overwhelming”.

“Sometimes with our society something has to happen for the worst for people to come out and show a lot of support,” he said.

“I think I’ve learned a valuable lesson in this myself for the support I have been given to be on the front foot to help others.”