Darren Lehmann: “I don’t think people know how much it affects people behind the scenes”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Former Australia head coach Darren Lehmann has revealed that he is still undergoing counselling to deal with the ball tampering scandal that stunned the cricketing world.

Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were all banned for their involvement in the scandal, which occurred during Australia’s tour of South Africa in March. Smith and Warner were banned for 12 months, while Bancroft was suspended for nine months.

While Lehmann was cleared of any wrongdoing, he stepped down as head coach and was later succeeded by Justin Langer.

Opening up about the impact the scandal had on him, Lehmann told Sydney’s Daily Telegraph as quoted by Sky Sports: “I saw people, and am still seeing people about it. That’s a work in progress. I don’t think people know how much it affects people behind the scenes, but that’s one of those things that you go through. The help of family and close friends got me through.”

Following his resignation, Lehmann helped groom talent who were part of the Bupa National Cricket Centre in Brisbane.

With his stint now over, he has signed with Macquarie Sports Radio as an expert commentator for Australia’s summer at home and the upcoming edition of the Big Bash League (BBL).

Given everything he has been through, Lehmann conceded that he wished Cricket Australia would have given him more support.

“For me, it was okay. It was a tough time and you had bad days and good days and I’m sure all those other three blokes had worse days, he said. “You just hope they get the right help, everyone gets the right help when they need it. There could have been more help but they certainly didn’t just leave us hanging either.”