Lehmann stays as Aussie coach, Smith and Warner face sanctions

Darren Lehmann will continue as Australia cricket coach but the futures of skipper Steve Smith (pictured) and vice captain David Warner remain unclear after they were warned they face “significant sanctions”.

A Cricket Australia investigation found that 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 that Smith and Warner were the only members of the setup 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 told a press conference in Johannesburg.

“It’s about the reputation and integrity of Australian cricket and Australian sport and whether Australians can take pride in their national team.

“The key finding is that prior knowledge of the ball-tampering incident was limited to three players - captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and Cameron Bancroft.

“No other players or support staff had prior knowledge and this includes Darren Lehmann, who despite inaccurate media reports has not resigned from his position. He will continue to coach the Australia men’s 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 involved have been sent home ahead of the final Test in Johannesburg, which the tourists must win to square the series, with Matt Renshaw, Glenn Maxwell and Joe Burns called up as replacements.

Tim Paine has been appointed captain.