Darren Lehmann quits as Australian coach after ball-tampering debacle
An emotional Australian cricket coach Darren Lehmann said on Thursday he was stepping down after this week’s Test match against SA, due to abuse he and his family received over a ball-tampering scandal that has rocked the sport. His voice choking with emotion at a news conference on the eve of the Johannesburg Test, the last of the four-match series against arch rivals SA, Lehmann said his decision to quit was tough but voluntary. "My family and I got a lot of abuse over the last week," said Lehmann, a burly former test player known for his no-nonsense approach on and off the field. "Speaking to my family, it’s the right time to step away." He conceded that he should take some blame for the aggressive culture that has developed in the Australian team during his time as coach. "Ultimately I’m responsible for the culture of the team. I’ve been thinking about my position for a while, despite telling media yesterday that I’m not resigning," he said. Watching axed captain Steve Smith bre...
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