Serious questions for coach Lehmann

WHAT exactly did Australian coach Darren Lehmann say to 12th man Peter Handscomb via walkie-talkie as “Sandpapergate” unfolded in front of a shocked worldwide television audience?

That is the question everyone is asking after one of the most shameful days in Australian cricket.

Although the Australian team denied Lehmann had any knowledge or influence over the ball-tampering tactic, many former players believe the Australian coach still has a lot of questions to answer.

As damning television footage showed Cameron Bancroft taking a yellow object out of his pocket to work on one side of the ball, Lehmann could be seen shaking his head.

He then covered his mouth with both hands and made contact with Handscomb via walkie-talkie.

The 12th man took the call and moments later he rushes out to the middle to talk to Bancroft. Bancroft could then be seen furtively taking the offending yellow tape out of his pocket and stuffing it down the front of his trousers.

Captain Steve Smith has denied the coaching staff are involved in any way.

Recently retired England star Kevin Pietersen described the coming days as Lehmann’s “greatest test as a coach”.

Former Australian Test batsman Simon Katich called for the axing of Smith, his deputy David Warner and Lehmann.