Graeme Smith Urges Darren Lehmann to Speak Up and Clarify on What Exactly Happened That Day

Former South African skipper Graeme Smith along with many Australians might get his wishes fulfilled as Aussie coach Darren Lehmann in all likelihood will break his silence on the ball-tampering scandal on Wednesday. Cricket Australia’s official website cricket.com.au has reported that Lehmann will speak on what happened at the Newlands on Saturday afternoon for the very first time since the scandal came to the public.

There is no doubt about the fact that Lehmann had some idea about the occurrence on the field. The coach was seen talking to 12^th man Peter Handscomb over the walkie-talkie. It resulted in Handscomb coming out in the field and informing Bancroft that he was caught on television. The opener panicked a lot which resulted in him putting the yellow tape through his underpants.

“With Cricket Australia’s investigation ongoing, Lehmann has so far been unable to address the situation publicly, but he is expected to front the media in Johannesburg sometime on Wednesday (SA time),” the cricket.com.au website has reported.

In the press conference, Smith had said that it was only the leadership group who knew about and the coaches weren’t involved. Even chief executive James Sutherland said it was only Warner, Smith and Bancroft who knew about it. However, the walkie-talkie incident gave some different footages, and people are bound to think differently.

All the three players have been sent back to Australia. While Smith and Warner have been suspended for a year, Bancroft has been handed a nine months suspension. Matt Renshaw, Joe Burns, and Glenn Maxwell have been named as their replacements.

Sutherland’s reluctance to call the incident as cheating didn’t go down well with former English cricketers.

“Anger seems to have increased post-Sutherland’s presser, has he dug the hole deeper? I think so. Needed to own everything. #SandpaperGate,” Graeme Smith tweeted, before adding: “Lehmann should front up to the media today! #SandpaperGate.”

Meanwhile, former Aussie World Cup winning skipper Michael Clarke said:

“To many reputations on the line for the full story not to come out. Cape Town change room is a very small place!

“The truth, The full story, Accountability and Leadership- until the public gets this Australian cricket is in deep s*t!