Australian coach Darren Lehmann, just 24 hours after proclaiming he would keep his job, has shocked the cricketing world by announcing his resignation, effective after the fourth and final Test against South Africa in Johannesburg.
Lehmann might have been cleared in the ball tampering saga which has rocked the Australian team this week, but after seeing the emotional press conferences of both Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft upon their arrival home on Thursday evening, he made the call to stand down from his position.
He told reporters saying goodbye to Smith, Bancroft and vice-captain David Warner in Johannesburg on Wednesday was extremely difficult.
“Saying goodbye to the players was the toughest thing I’ve ever had to do,” said Lehmann.
The trio were read the riot act by Cricket Australia, with Warner and Smith suspended from all international and domestic cricket for 12 months, while Bancroft copped nine.
With no time to instate a new coach before the Johannesburg Test, he will remain in charge until the conclusion.
He had previously stated he would continue on in the role until his contract expired next year, but that time has now been cut short.
Australia’s next cricket commitment is not until June, when Australia head to England for five crucial ODI matches in preparation for the World Cup, as well as a single T20.
It gives the board approximately three months to find a new coach, with potential candidates including Justin Langer and Ricky Ponting.
The 48-year-old has been in charge of the Australian team since the 2013 Ashes series when he took over from Mickey Arthur and has since overseen two Ashes series victories and a World Cup win on home soil.
The final Test against South Africa starts on Friday at the Wanderers in Johannesburg, with the hosts having already retained the trophy thanks to their 322-run win in Cape Town.
Bakkies
Guest
and is approved by the board.
Bob Pacey
Guest
Ask the selectors that question bud.
magic
Guest
scott pryde, what you think about steve waugh as head coach and shane warne as assistant coach
Bob Pacey
Guest
You did. It's starting to look like a very tidy package that Sutherland has managed to deliver. Hopefully Warner will derail the process with a tell all ???
Bob Pacey
Guest
+ Pat Howard
jamesb
Guest
Smith- suspended Warner- suspended Bancroft- suspended Lehmann- gone Sutherland- ?????? Sutherland still there. If he was harder on the players with their behaviour, then none of this would've happened. He is the ultimate teflon.
AREH
Roar Guru
Yes. Lehmann departing is halfway to overhauling the culture, and Sutherland has to be next.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Had to happen, the culture has been insipid under his watch. Sutherland next to go. Dizzy should come in as next coach.
Duncan Smith
Roar Guru
I hear Tuffers is free.
Duncan Smith
Roar Guru
Hanging's too good for 'em son. In my day, would have been hung drawn and quartered.
worthcryingover
Guest
If you ask me it has more to do with elitist cricketing practices and the "mates" club that regularly (but not always) selects fellow mates for spots on the cricket team all the way up from grade level to state level and then on to international level cricket. This is not only in Australia but also reflected around the world and reaches its zenith in the so called mother country of England. The way I see it, the actions of the Australian cricket team on this ball tampering issue goes a long, long way to explaining how Rabada's somewhat gentle touch of Steve Smith became a shoulder charge.
Duncan Smith
Roar Guru
Stop the sledging, that's all I care about. It's unnecessary and truly ugly.
mmacter
Guest
@Kurt,you are spot on about Lyon.His behavior has been a disgrace in recent time but he escapes all the scrutiny from his blind fans because he is the goat and he sings the victory song.
Tony
Guest
Well Darren Lehman I'm sorry but why on earth would you name David Warner as VC. Cry all you like. He wasn't even highly regarded by the players. If we could have our time again.
Tony
Guest
Please no Terrible captain. Will be a petty coach like he was as a captain. Leave him on the retiree gravy train in the media.
Clyde
Guest
The real story and coverup is that Bancroft’s sandpaper and sandpaper on Warner’s bandages has been used for months. There is no way that this was a once off event and the cricketing worlds knows this.
Robin
Guest
Bloody right
Dave SPG
Roar Rookie
Warner lied in a press conference when he said he'd never tolerate ball tampering in the team.
John Erichsen
Roar Guru
After reading Sutherland's press statement in 2013 regarding the termination of Mick Arthur's contract as coach, it seemed impossible that Lehmann could remain the coach. If the culture has been identified as the problem, this is a positive step in the direction of change.
JVGO
Guest
I've got to say if either Warner or Smith find something better they want to do in the next twelve months...you know say just spend the millions they already have or drive racing cars or coach twelve year old kids or something....Australian Cricket fans will be the big losers in all this stupidity. Hopefully they have a point to prove and will one day again walk out to bat for Australia....and to a standing ovation no doubt.