Lehmann resigns, reveals scandal took toll on family
JOHANNESBURG: A tearful Darren Lehmann said he would quit as coach of Australia after the fourth Test in South Africa. “This will be my last Test as head coach of the Australian cricket team,” Lehmann said. “Saying goodbye to the players was the toughest thing I ever had to do.
“After seeing events in the media today with Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft, the feeling is that Australian cricket needs to move forward and this is the right thing to do.
“I really felt for Steve and as you see I’m crying in front of the media. All the players are really hurting.”
Lehmann, who was due to leave the job after the 2019 Ashes series in England, is quitting despite being cleared of any role in the ball-tampering scandal that has rocked the sport.
“As a team we know we’ve let so many people down and for that we’re truly sorry,” added the 48-year-old Lehmann.
“The players involved have been handed down very serious sentences and they know they must face the consequences. They have made a grave mistake but they are not bad people.”
Lehmann said the scandal had affected him and his family. “My family and I have copped a lot of abuse over the last week and it’s taken its toll,” added the 48-yearold Lehmann.“i am ultimately responsible for the culture of the team and I’ve been thinking about my position for a while.
“Despite telling media yesterday that I’m not resigning, after viewing Steve and Cameron’s hurting, it is only fair that I make this decision.”