Darren Lehmann still worried about "good young men" Smith, Warner and Bancroft

Darren Lehmann still worried about "good young men" Smith, Warner and Bancroft

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Darren Lehmann, who stepped down from the position of Australia coach after the controversial SA tour, said that he is still worried about the banned trio and hopes they make a return to the national squad. He has also insisted that they are good people and have paid the price for what they did.

After Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft admitted to ball-tampering, the Guardians of the sports of cricket, whether you like it or not, handed the Aussie skipper a one-match suspension along with some fines and they were well within their rights to pull off something like that. However, considering the bigger impact the issue had on the Australian cricket, Cricket Australia handed heavy punishments to the trio and while Smith and Warner can't represent the country or any domestic cricket in Australia beyond the grade level for a year each, Bancroft also handed a nine-month suspension.Ā 

Darren Lehmann, who voluntarily stepped down from the position of Australian coach after the saga, however,Ā stated that he has been worried about the banned trio daily and hoped that they would make their comeback in the national squad. He felt that they have paid for what they did already and described them as fantastic young men.Ā 

"They are all good young men, I feel for the three players especially, they're fantastic and I worry about them day-in, day-out. I hope they come back and play for Australia because they're fantastic young men and they've paid the price," Lehmann told Radio FIVEaa in an interview on Friday(May 6).Ā 

"For me, Australian cricket is the most important thing and hopefully everyone can get back and play the right type of cricket that makes everyone respect and enjoy the Australian cricket team again."

In the recent past, both Smith and Warner have extended their gratitude towards their family, friends,Ā and fans for sticking with them in the hard times. But, from some quarters, the flaksĀ have been coming in. Lehmann felt that they have been treated like criminals and hoped that everyone would forgive them soon.Ā Ā 

"It's been a tough six weeks for myself, but I put myself in David Warner's shoes, Cameron Bancroft, Steve Smith... they've been to hell and back, haven't they? Hopefully, everyone forgives them. I'm sure they will. They're bloody good human beings and I love them dearly. I speak to them quite a lot. It's a case of keeping in contact because I worry about them. They're going okay," the former coach mentioned.

Lehmann recently had also appreciated his former teammate and newly appointed coach, Justin Langer, who mentioned that banned trio is welcomed to make a comeback to the national squad if they met the standards.Ā 

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