Darren Lehmann quits as coach of the Australian cricket team
Lehmann said that during his five years in charge of the Australian team he was most proud of how the cricket fraternity pulled together after the death of Phillip Hughes in 2014. He struggled to contain his emotions as he spoke of Hughes.
"We're only playing a game, that's all we're playing," he said. "We lost a great young man and the way we tried to deal with that is probably my proudest moment as coach. You win games, you lose games."
Lehmann said the reaction to the team's admission of cheating in Cape Town had been "unbelievable".
"Watching the two young men face the media - and I'm sure David will be the same - it's been unbelievable. Hopefully the game gets back to the game of cricket," he said.
"Everyone has their views out there, but they made a mistake and we need to get the game back on track.
Darren Lehmann said his proudest moment as a coach was helping the cricket fraternity to come together after the death of Phillip Hughes.
Photo: AP
"It is a game that we love and enjoy. Shit, I've had a great time coaching and coaching the Australian cricket team is a real high.
"For me I'm looking forward to having some time off. I'd like to stay involved in the game because I love it so much."
Sutherland paid tribute to Lehmann.
"He provided fantastic service but he’s also been a part of a very successful team that has achieved a lot in his time as coach," Sutherland said.
"They won a World Cup in 2015, a couple of winning Ashes series and then at various times during the course of his tenure the team in various formats has gone to No.1 in the world.
"I have seen first hand the pride in which he has gone about his work, the love he has for the job, his incredible work ethic. I think one of the things that really strikes me about Darren and his character as a coach is the way he genuinely cares for and loves his players. I have huge regard and respect for the way he has gone about his job over the time he has been coach of the Australian men’s team."
Justin Langer is considered the favourite to land the job as Lehmann's successor although the appointment of a new head coach may be some way down the track.
“We don’t play any international cricket for a few months now. It’s not until I think June the team is due in England [for limited-overs matches]," Sutherland said.
"We’ve got plenty of time to work through that. I know there is a lot of talent in the coaching ranks back in Australia but also we will reflect on the fact that amongst international cricket there are a lot of Australian coaches that are performing very well."
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