We Have Let So Many People Down – Darren Lehmann

Apr 15, 2018 at 12:59 PM

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We Have Let So Many People Down – Darren Lehmann

The South Africa tour did not pan out as expected for Australia. The tour was seen as the one which would define the team’s potentials.

Steven Smith & Co. began the Test series on a high note, beating the formidable hosts to go one nil up. However, things only went downhill since then.

They lost the second Test, and on the third day of the third Test, they were hit by the sandpaper gate.

Cameron Bancroft was spotted trying to change the condition of the ball with sandpaper. Later that day, Bancroft and skipper Steven Smith admitted the whole thing was pre-planned. Things only went haywire for Smith, Bancroft and David Warner who reportedly came up with the plan.

The ICC suspended Smith for the forthcoming fourth Test. On the other hand, Bancroft accumulated three demerit points. Cricket Australia then came up with even harsher punishments for the disgraced trio.

Both Smith and Warner were banned for a year while Bancroft was banned for nine months.

The whole incident has more or less tarnished Australia’s image. Several legendary players have severely criticised the sensational scandal. It is now up to the team to restore Australia’s image. And head coach Darren Lehmann has started it by issuing a public apology.

Lehmann, on Wednesday (March 28), urged the fans to give the trio another chance.

“Firstly, I’d also like to apologise to the Australian public and the cricket family,” Lehmann said.

“What happened on Saturday is not something that is acceptable, especially from the Australian cricket team. Like all of Australia, we’re extremely disappointed, and as a team, we know, we have let so many people down, and for that, I’m truly sorry.”

Cricket Australia has banned the trio (Credits: Getty)

“The players involved have been handed down very serious sanctions, and they know they must face the consequences. They’ve made a grave mistake, but they are not bad people. As a coach you feel for them as people, they are hurting, and I feel for them and their families. I hope that in all this, the media and the fans don’t forget that.”

“There’s a human side in this. They’ve made a mistake, as everyone, including myself, has made mistakes in the past. These are young men, and I hope people will give them a second chance. Their health and well being is extremely important to us. The team has been perceived quite negatively in recent times, and there is a need for us to change some of the philosophies about the way we play.”

The former allrounder further said he had no intentions of stepping down from his post.

“I’m not going to resign. We need to change how we play, and within that, the boundaries we play. Obviously, previously, we’ve butted heads on the line, but that’s not the way to go for us playing cricket moving forward. Yes, I’m confident that they can change. I need to change,” he said.

He further expressed his feelings for the trio before backing them to bounce back strongly.

“(We) Lost a great young man (in Smith). We all love him. At the moment, it’s hard for him and his family. I feel for him. He’s going to come back a better person, no doubt about that. Hard to describe (my emotions), to be honest. Disappointed, embarrassed, hurt for the game. I worry about the three guys, immensely. We love all our players, and they’re really going through a tough time. It’s been really tough for everyone, mate. Everyone involved, including fans, people back home and around the world.”

Smith leaving for Australia amid tight security (Credits: AFP)

Here is the news feed:

Watch: Steve Smith Gets Heckled And Booed As He Leaves South Africa

Know what Darren Lehmann told twelfth man Peter Handscomb?

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