There is a need for us to change: Darren Lehmann

Bengaluru, March 28: Australian coach Darren Lehmann on Wednesday (March 28) has broken his silence on the Cape Town ball tampering scandal, saying he would "like to apologise to the Australian public" and was worried about the emotional impact on the three players - Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft.

SMITH, WARNER, BANCROFT BANNED" title="CA CLEAN CHIT FOR LEHMANN | SMITH, WARNER, BANCROFT BANNED" />CA CLEAN CHIT FOR LEHMANN | SMITH, WARNER, BANCROFT BANNED

The embattled coach told reporters in Johannesburg that the three players involved in the scandal had "made a grave mistake but they are not bad people."

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"These are young men and I hope people will give them a second chance," he said.

Lehmann said he was "embarrassed" and "disappointed" and "hurt for the game" and would change his attitude as coach in future.

On Steve Smith who was sacked as captain, he said "the public love him" and "we've lost a great young man who made a mistake. But I hope he will be back strong."
He also said he was worried about Smith, Warner and Bancroft mentally in terms of the emotional impact of events.

Think Australia will be fired-up & will win the 4th Test against South Africa. new captain, recalled players will have a point to prove and as a team their only way to answer will be performing well on the field, the off-field drama should be used as a motivation #SAvAUS #Cricket

— Daniel Alexander (@daniel86cricket) March 28, 2018

"There is a need for us to change the way we play," he reportedly said, adding that the way the New Zealand team plays is a "model for the game".

"We need to work to bring the respect back from the fans," he said.

It comes after Cricket Australia revealed David Warner was the mastermind behind the ball tampering plot, instructing Cameron Bancroft on how to carry it out along with Steve Smith.

Smith and Warner will be banned from the sport for 12 months, while Bancroft will serve a nine month ban.

ICYMI 1/2! Cricket Australia suspends Smith & Warner for 12 months from international & domestic cricket; Bancroft for nine months

All three can play club cricket but will be required to undertake 100 hours of voluntary service in community crickethttps://t.co/5ABe8r7xVx pic.twitter.com/XBrPYu8Epz

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) March 28, 2018

All three are expected to provide 100 hours of service to community cricket and Warner won't be able to be placed in leadership positions in future. While Smith and Bancroft will not be considered for leadership positions for two years from the time CA has handed them bans.