Since the deliberate ball-tampering incident, Australian head coach Darren Lehmann was far away from the media. After the CA (Cricket Australia) verdict for that incident on Wednesday, Lehmann finally broke his silence on that incident.
Lehmann’s silence was increasing a huge pressure on himself as many have started to believe that he was also involved in that unsportsmanlike incident. However, recently CA gave him a clean chit for that incident.
Also read: Allan Border comes to support the head coach Darren Lehmann
On Wednesday, CA announced that Steven Smith and David Warner will face the one year ban while Cameron Bancroft will face nine months ban from all the international and domestic cricket.
Being as a coach, Lehmann has the feeling on them as he requested to the cricket fans to give them one more chance.
The 48-years old Australian cricket team’s head coach said, “They have made a grave mistake, but they are not bad people. As a coach you feel for them … they are hurting, and I feel for them and their families. There is a human side of this. They have made a mistake as everyone, including myself, has made mistakes in the past. Their health and well-being is extremely important to us.”
Also read: David Warner and Steve Smith faces IPL Ban As Well
There was a video footage where Lehmann was seen to talk with Peter Handscomb through walkie-talkie during that scandal. After that, Handscomb ran on the field and gave the information to Cameron Bancroft that he was spotted on camera.
Lehmann clarified about what he had said to Handscomb through the walkie-talkie. He said, “The first I saw of it was on that screen and I went straight on the walkie-talkie and said something to Peter. There were a couple of expletives in there. Then I spoke to some of the players at tea time and said we’d deal with it at the end of play, which obviously happened through the process.”
Lehmann also said that they need the fresh start to move on from the destructive controversy. He quoted, “The team has been perceived quite negatively in recent times and there is a need for us to change some of the philosophies about the way and how we play. From this point forward, we need to work to earn the respect back from all our fans.”
The former Australian cricketer apologised to the cricket fans and clarified that the coach and support staff were not aware of that incident.
He said, “I’d like to apologise to the Australian public and the cricket family. What happened on Saturday is not something that is acceptable, especially from the Australian cricket team.
“As has been made clear by (CEO) James (Sutherland) yesterday and today, the coaches and support staff had no prior knowledge of the incident.
“Like all of Australia we are extremely disappointed and we know we have let so many people down and for that, I am truly sorry.”
