Lehmann to carry on after Aussie scandal

DARREN Lehmann will continue as Australia coach but the futures of skipper Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner remain unclear after they were warned they face ‘significant sanctions’.

A Cricket Australia investigation found Lehmann had no prior knowledge of the plan to tamper with the condition of the ball during the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town.

CA chief executive James Sutherland said Smith and Warner were the only members of the set-up aware of Cameron Bancroft’s attempt to manipulate the ball with sticky tape against the Proteas.

“I want to apologise to all Australians for what took place,” Sutherland said. “It’s about the reputation and integrity of Australian cricket and whether Australians can take pride in their national team.

“Prior knowledge of the ball-tampering incident was limited to three players captain Steve Smith, vicecaptain David Warner and Cameron Bancroft.

“No other players or support staff had prior knowledge and this includes Darren Lehmann. He will continue to coach the team under his current contract.

“The three players on report, we are contemplating significant sanctions, which will reflect the gravity of what has occurred and the damage it has done to the standing of Australian cricket.”

All three players have been sent home ahead of the final Test in Johannesburg, which the tourists must win to draw the series.