David Warner is “resigned to the fact” his Australia career could be over.

The former vice-captain was banned for a year by Cricket Australia for his role in the plan to tamper with the ball during the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town.

Warner and captain Steve Smith were suspended for 12 months and Cameron Bancroft received a nine-month ban for their roles in the incident, while head coach Darren Lehmann announced he will step down after the fourth Test in Johannesburg.

That contest appears to be heading towards a South Africa victory after the suspended trio’s replacements in the Australia top order combined for just 12 runs on the second day.

Earlier, a tearful Warner admitted he may have played his last game for the national team as he spoke to the press in Sydney for the first time since he returned home.

He said: “We let our country down, we made a bad decision. I really regret what happened on that day three.

“We know what the consequences are when you make horrible decisions like this.”

David Warner arrived at the press conference with his wife
David Warner arrived at the press conference with his wife (Daniel Munoz/AP)

He added: “In the back of my mind, I suppose there is a tiny ray of hope that I may one day be given the privilege of playing for my country again.

“But I am resigned to the fact that that may never happen.”

Warner was found to have devised the plan which saw Bancroft rough the ball with sandpaper in an attempt to gain reverse swing.

The 31-year-old did not say whether anyone knew about the plot other than himself, Smith and Bancroft, but later said on Twitter he would do his best to deal with “unanswered questions” in the future.

Warner, whose vacant spot with Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL has been taken by England’s Alex Hales, admitted he had let people down.

“I failed in my responsibility as vice-captain of the Australia cricket team,” he said.

“To the fans and the lovers of the game who have supported and inspired me on my journey as a cricketer, I want to sincerely apologise for betraying your trust in me. I have let you down badly.”

He added: “I can honestly say I have only ever wanted to bring glory to my country through playing cricket.

“In striving to do so, I have made a decision which has had the opposite effect and it’s one that I will regret for as long as I live.”

The trio’s replacements in the Australia team struggled on day two of the fourth Test.

New openers Joe Burns and Matt Renshaw could only score four and eight runs respectively before both edged behind, while Peter Handscomb, batting in Smith’s usual position at number four, was bowled for nought.

Usman Khawaja, the only survivor in the top four from the first three Tests, scored 53 as Australia ended the day 110 for six.

South Africa had earlier been dismissed for 488 as they look to secure a first home Test series win over Australia since 1970.