Reports : Darren Lehmann to step down from Australia coach role following Sandpaper Gate
It has been widely reported that Australian coach Darren Lehmann might step down from his role today following the ball tampering incident that rocked Australian cricket last week. This comes after former Australian cricketers claimed that Lehmann was equally guilty in the shameful incident.
Australian cricket went into complete meltdown following Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft's public acceptance of tampering with the ball. Following the admission, the team received widespread criticism from all around the cricketing world with even former players condemning the act. The incident had such a profound impact that even Australian Prime Minister asked for a heavy punishment for Steve Smith. Although Smith accepted that it was the leadership group who took the decision completely and denied Lehmann's involvement in the matter, no one believes that to be the case. And now, reports have emerged that Lehmann would be stepping down from the role very soon.
Lehmann became the coach of the Australian team in 2013 after South African Mickey Arthur resigned from the role. The 48-year old was responsible for creating a more relaxed atmosphere in the dressing room and enjoyed a successful 2015 World Cup campaign at home as well. But the recent saga has brought doubt over his morality and even former Australian skipper Michael Clarke recently doubted his former coach.
"If that's the case, then the Australian head coach hasn't got control of this Australian team. And if he does know about it, then he's as accountable as anybody else," Clarke said on the Nine Network.
Despite the ICC already announcing their final verdict on the matter, Cricket Australia have started their own internal investigation and they will take strict action against the players involved in the matter. Meanwhile, James Sutherland, Cricket Australia's CEO, has flown to South Africa and he will declare their investigation verdict today.