Darren Lehman ‘set to stand down over ball-tampering scandal’
Written by News on 27/03/2018
Australia head coach Darren Lehmann will offer his resignation ahead of the fourth Test against South Africa in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal, according to The Daily Telegraph.
Lehmann has remained silent since Cameron Bancroft was caught on camera attempting to manipulate the ball with sticky tape during the third match of a controversial series.
Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland is expected to make an announcement on Tuesday (UK time) regarding the findings of their ball-tampering investigation.
Captain Steve Smith, who has admitted he oversaw a plot to change the condition of the ball during the defeat, said in his post-match confession Lehmann did not know the players intended to cheat.
However, Sky Sports Cricket pundit Nasser Hussain says that position is “inconceivable” and with Cricket Australia’s chief executive Sutherland due to meet up with CA’s head of integrity Iain Roy to discuss the controversy, Lehmann’s position will come under intense scrutiny.
“It doesn’t look good on Lehmann either way, really,” said Hussain. “If he did know then he’s in a whole heap of trouble and will not be able to hold his job down if he is condoning cheating and [the] scratching of a cricket ball.
“If he didn’t know, then questions will be asked as to why senior players are going round not telling the coach exactly what is going on.
“In the dressing rooms I’ve played in, it is inconceivable that the coach wouldn’t know something like this was being dreamt up.”
Lehmann took over as coach in 2013 when predecessor Mickey Arthur was sacked, overseeing Australia’s Ashes demolition of England this winter.
Former players Justin Langer and Ricky Ponting are among the frontrunners to replace Lehmann should he be axed.
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(c) Sky News 2018: Darren Lehman ‘set to stand down over ball-tampering scandal’
