More drama as Lehmann quits as Aussie coach

Former captain Steven Smith and disgraced batsman Cameron Bancroft were not the only Australian cricketers holding tearful, anguished press conferences on Thursday, with coach Darren Lehmann  announcing he would be stepping down straight after the last Test against South Africa as the tears flowed at the Wanderers.

Hours after Bancroft had issued a heartfelt apology and begged for forgiveness in Perth and Smith had broken down in Sydney while acknowledging his “failure of leadership”, Lehmann tearfully announced to the media in Johannesburg that he was resigning as coach.

“This will be my last Test as Australian coach because I am stepping down. Having seen Steven and Cameron face the media, Australian cricket needs to move forward. It really hurt to see Steven crying in front of all the media and my family and I have taken a lot of abuse, which has taken its toll. Although I had no part in the ball-tampering plan, it is the right time to step away.

“Ultimately I am responsible for the culture of the team and I need to allow Cricket Australia to implement changes and move forward. We are all extremely disappointed and extremely sorry for what has happened. The players involved have received very serious sanctions but they are not bad people. I hope the Australian public will find it in their hearts to forgive these young men,” Lehmann said, his voice faltering as tears streamed from his eyes.

The departure of the popular coach respected for his straightforward approach brings to four the number of Australian national cricket squad members whose lives have been drastically altered by the win-at-all-costs attitude Lehmann himself instilled in the team, and the subsequent poison that spread mostly from David Warner, who declined to front up to media upon his return to Australia.

The cheap tactics employed by the Australian team have now cost them a great deal.

“The reaction has been unbelievable, unbelievable. You think you can keep going but the abuse takes its toll. I’ve been speaking to the hierarchy for the last few days and I haven’t slept since Saturday, save for a couple of hours. But it’s time to let the game move forward.

“I hope the game of cricket gets back to being a game to be loved and enjoyed. I would love to stay involved but I need some time off,” Lehmann said.

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