'We forgive you': Australia reacts to Steve Smith’s emotional statement

There has been an outpouring of support for Steve Smith following his tearful press conference, with many Australians offering their forgiveness for the deposed skipper left gutted by the ball-tampering scandal.

Smith arrived in Sydney on a Singapore Airlines flight after being sent home in disgrace from South Africa over the ball-tampering scandal.

"I know I will regret this for the rest of my life. I am absolutely gutted," Smith said.

"I hope in time I can earn back respect and forgiveness.

"Cricket is the greatest game in the world, it's been my life and I hope it can be in my life again."

Watch and read Steve Smith’s statement in full

While English newspapers and some fans have a field day on social media, there has been a much more sympathetic response back home. 

Smith's raw emotion struck a chord with Australians, many who believe it’s time to give the 28-year-old a break.

Politicians, including Bill Shorten and Barnaby Joyce, have also weighed in on the scandal asking for Aussies to give Smith space as he deals with the fallout.

Punters have taken to social media, worried about the impact this scandal with have on the mental health of the players.

Smith has been barred from representing their Indian Premier League franchises in 2018, meaning he'll forfeit $2.4 million in contracts for this season.

Coach Darren Lehmann announced overnight he will quit the post in the wake of the ball-tampering saga.

At a press conference in South Africa, a tearful Lehmann said he made the decision while watching former captain's Steve Smith's emotional press conference.