Steve Smith And David Warner To Return Home; Darren Lehmann Will Remain Australian Coach

Darren Lehmann, David Warner and Steve Smith

Cricket Australia took a tough stand in the ball-tampering case against the accused “Test Team Captain,” Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft and was sent home from South Africa. However, the Australian Coach, Darren Lehmann has been given a clean chit in this case.

CEO of Cricket Australia, James Sutherland, apart from these three players, gave clean chits to the rest of the team and coaches as they had “no knowledge” of those plans. He added, “Chief Coach Darren Lehmann will remain in his post.”

Sutherland also said that the punishment would be announced against the guilty three players in the next 24 hours, and they will be sent home. Glenn Maxwell, Matt Renshaw, and Joe Burns will be in the Test squad instead of the three players, while Tim Paine has been named the captain for the fourth Test starting from March 30.

Cricket Australia release said that “all three players reported will depart South Africa tomorrow. The replacement players will fly to Johannesburg over the next 24 hours to join the squad for the fourth Test against South Africa. The three replacement players are Matthew Renshaw, Glenn Maxwell, and Joe Burns”.

Sutherland said at a press conference in Johannesburg “I understand and share the anger and disappointment of Australian fans.” He added, “On behalf of Cricket Australia, I want to apologize to all Australians that these events have taken place, especially to all the kids.”

“Given the broader reputational and integrity issues involved, the sanctions that will be contemplated are significant. The process must, therefore, be thorough to ensure that all relevant issues have been examined,” said Sutherland.