Smith and Warner deliberately kept apart: report

Steve Smith’s relationship with David Warner has become so strained CA officials made sure the former captain and his deputy were sent home from South Africa on separate flights.

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Warner and Smith were deliberately kept apart and plans were put in place to have them speak at separate press conferences, because fears a joint session could have ended in catastrophe, according to The The .

Both players and Cameron Bancroft both were dropped from the Australian team, after the 22-year-old opener was caught meddling with the ball.

It’s said Warner was the architect of the plan while Steve Smith let things spiral out of control.

Smith and Warner were banned for 12 months while Bancroft was rubbed out for nine months.

Since the scandal became public, the former skipper’s mental health has been of concern and officials have done everything in their power to keep Smith and Warner apart.

Instead of arriving back into the country together, Smith arrived four hours earlier than Warner.

Officials are reportedly concerned that both players may not be able to play for Australia together again because things have deteriorated so much between the two.

Smith held a tearful press conference once he arrived at Sydney Airport, pleading for forgiveness from the Australian public.

"Tonight I want to make it clear that as captain of the Australian cricket team I take full responsibility. I made a serious error of judgement and I now understand the consequences. It was a failure of leadership, of my leadership.

"I'll do everything I can to make up for my mistake and the damage it has caused. 

"If any good can come from this, if it can be a lesson to others, then I hope I can be a force for change."

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

"I hope in time I can earn back respect and forgiveness. I've been so privileged and honoured to represent my country and captain the Australian cricket team. 

Warner will hold a press conference on Saturday morning.