Former Australia coach Darren Lehmann admits he worries about Steve Smith, Cameron Bancroft and David Warner daily following their involvement in the ball-tampering scandal.
Smith and Warner, who were stood down from their skipper and vice-captaincy roles respectively, received 12-month bans from Cricket Australia while Bancroft was given a nine-month suspension for their part in the incident during the third Test against South Africa in March.
Lehmann later stepped down as head coach following the four-match series which South Africa won 4-1.
The ex-Australian batsman says he is still in contact with the banned trio and hopes they will be able to return and play for their country in the future.
“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 said in an interview with Adelaide-based Radio FIVEaa. “I speak to them quite a lot. It’s a case of keeping in contact because I worry about them.
“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,” he added.
Banned: Bancroft and Smith
Justin Langer was named as Lehmann’s successor on Thursday and the 48-year-old believes his former team-mate has all the qualities to succeed and earn the trust back of the public.
“He (Langer) has got a really good group of players and they’ll play in an exciting way, and I’m really looking forward to watching them do that.
“We just have to get behind them as a nation, support the new coach and captains, but also support those guys that aren’t playing as well,” he was quoted as saying by the cricket.com.au.
Langer insisted the door will always be open for Smith, Warner and Bancroft to return to the national set-up and Lehmann is happy the players’ international careers are not over.
“I was really pleased that Justin made mention of those three guys (Smith, Warner and Bancroft) 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 didn’t close the door on anyone, and I think that’s an important message,” he said.
