SA vs AUS 2018: Darren Lehmann Expected to Address Media After Getting Clean Chit in Sandpaper Gate
Jan 13, 2019 at 4:19 PM
Darren Lehman is all set to address media after getting a clean chit from Cricket Australia – which cleared his name from the ‘Sandpaper Gate’ fiasco.
James Sutherland, the CEO of Cricket Australia, confirmed he (Lehmann) had no role to play in the saga and only three players viz Steven Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were in known of things.
It automatically cleared Lehmann, and other players were not a part of this. There were reports Lehman had clearly tendered his resignation as the Head Coach of Australia and will step down soon.
In fact, reports also suggested that the Cricket Australia is looking forward to roping in Ricky Ponting, Jason Gillespie and Justin langer as coaches.
However, as soon as Lehmann’s name got cleared, it automatically ruled out any talks regarding a new Head Coach. He will continue to perform his job until 2019 Ashes, before retiring from the post. Although, Lehman’s role in the saga can’t be ignored.
He was the one who passed on the message to Peter Handscomb about Bancroft getting caught on live television.
Following that, Bancroft tried to hide the sandpaper in his pants and got caught.
Smith told about coaches not knowing about this, and CA’s investigation cleared Lehman was not involved in it. Hence, he will continue his a job as Head Coach.
David Saker, Australia’s fast bowling coach, will also continue his job. Australia recently won Ashes 2017/18 with Lehmann as Head Coach. Though, Australia will have new faces going into the fourth Test.
Matt Renshaw, Joe Burns and Glenn Maxwell have earned a recall to the Test side. They will replace Smith, Warner and Bancroft, who will fly back home today (March 28).
Australia also have a new captain in the form of Tim Paine, who stood for Smith on the fourth day of the third Test match in Newlands. The fourth and the final Test between Australian and South Africa will kick off on March 30 in Johannesburg.
The hosts are likely to field the same playing XI, with Temba Bavuma getting another chance. On the other hand, Australia will have some forced changes in the playing XI.