Darren Lehmann, the former Australia coach, confirmed that he was in regular touch with the suspended trio of David Warner, Steven Smith and Cameron Bancroft, and said he “worries daily” about them.
According to official website of ICC, Warner and Smith were banned by Cricket Australia for a year, and Bancroft was handed a nine-month ban, after the three players were found guilty in the ball-tampering scandal that engulfed Australia in March during their tour of South Africa.
Since then, the players have all accepted the sanctions, with the senior duo of Warner and Smith even opening up about adjusting to life in the aftermath of the controversy.
Things took a turn for the better when Justin Langer, named Lehmann’s successor on Thursday 3 May, stated his desire to welcome back the players at the end of their bans.
However, Lehmann, who himself resigned from the role after the tour, hasn’t stopped worrying. “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,” Lehmann told Radio FIVEaa.
“I hope they come back and play for Australia because they’re fantastic young men and they’ve paid the price.
“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.”
The incident came under intense scrutiny from the world media in March, with Warner and Smith even breaking down in their first public appearances in the immediate aftermath. They had “been to hell and back”, said Lehmann.
“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.”
Lehmann also spoke highly of his successor and made special mention of the fact that Langer hadn’t closed the doors on the trio.
“I was really pleased that Justin made mention of those three guys who aren’t playing at the moment because they are, and they’ll continue to be, valuable players for the future of Australian cricket,” he told cricket.com.au. “He didn’t close the door on anyone, and I think that’s an important message.”
