Australia coach Darren Lehmann has been in the news since the sandpaper gate controversy. Lehmann managed to hold on to his job amidst reports of him getting sacked. Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen isn’t impressed with the call. Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland has confirmed that Lehmann has not resigned from his position.
As per the investigation launched by CA, it has been found that only skipper Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were part of the plan. Multiple media reports were stating Lehman’s sacking. Lehmann’s contract expires at the end of the 2019 Ashes in England.
Pietersen took to Twitter to express his views. He took a slight dig at CA’s verdict which says Lehmann wasn’t a part of the ‘leadership group.’ Pietersen added quite some emojis and wrote- ‘Lehmann never knew.’
Lehmann never knew – ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
— Kevin Pietersen? (@KP24) March 27, 2018
It isn’t the first time when Pietersen shared his views on the ‘sandpaper gate’ controversy. The flamboyant former great had earlier tweeted-
“Slept on it… Lehmann, Saker & the leaderships groups jobs are untenable! ‘They’ve disgraced a great cricketing nation and Test cricket.”
CA’s statement at the end of the investigation
“Earlier today I received an update about the investigation being conducted by our Head of Integrity Iain Roy, and in conducting his interviews he was accompanied by two ICC integrity officers,” Sutherland told reporters in Johannesburg this morning.
“While that investigation is not complete, preliminary findings have been considered and discussed by the CA board earlier today.
It has been found out that these three players were aware of the ‘tampering’ plan.
“The key finding is that prior knowledge of the ball tampering incident was limited to three players: Captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and Cameron Bancroft.
Lehmann was seen talking to Peter Handscomb on the walkie-talkie. Handscomb swiftly went to Bancroft. It is believed that Handscomb told Bancroft about being caught on cameras. The latter the slipped the yellow object in his pants.
“No other players or support staff had prior knowledge and this includes Darren Lehmann, who despite inaccurate media reports, has not resigned from his position. He will continue to coach the Australian men’s team under his current contract.”
This is newsfeed:
Darren Lehmann To Continue As Australia’s Head Coach After Getting Clean Chit
Kevin Pietersen Names Two Aussies Who Can ‘Restore Baggy Green’ Integrity