Australia’s head coach Darren Lehmann has decided to step down from his role in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal. Addressing the media, Lehmann admitted that this will be his last series as the coach.
However, this comes as a shock after Cricket Australia gave a clean chit to him. After a thorough investigation, CA found Lehmann had no part to play in this plan.
Previously, he called for a culture change in the Australian Cricket. He also held up New Zealand as an example of how to play and respect the opposition.
Meanwhile, Lehmann throughout his tenure has backed his players whenever they needed. However, having watched the emotional press conferences of Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft earlier today, Lehmann said now was the time for a new coach of the national side.
CA sanctioned the disgraced Australian trio with severe punishment. They handed Smith and David Warner with 12 months ban while Cameron Bancroft got 9 months.
Talking the media, Lehmann admitted that saying goodbye to the cricketers was the toughest job. He also added that he took the decision after consulting with his family. Also, Lehmann noted that it was tough to be away from home.
“Saying goodbye to the players was the toughest thing I’ve ever had to do,” he said. “As many who sit in this room will know, life on the road means a lot of time away from loved ones and after speaking to my family, it is the right time to step away,” he added
Talking about his proudest moment during his stint with the Australian team, Lehmann was short and precise.
“I would say the way we dealt with Philip Hughes’s passing,” he said. “We’re only playing a game,” he added.
Lehmann joined the national team after the 2013 Ashes series in England after CA sacked South African Mickey Arthur. The players said Lehmann had reunited a fractured group bringing enjoyment back to the Baggy Green.
Meanwhile, a 4-0 Ashes success this summer has been followed by chaos and controversy in South Africa. As a result, players got banned, fined, abused by the local crowds, which will be Lehmann’s last campaign behind the wheel.
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