Darren Lehmann set for first coaching stint since ball-tampering scandal
What's the story?
The Brisbane Heat have confirmed former Australia head coach Darren Lehmann as their new coach for the next season of the much-celebrated Big Bash League. In less than a year after the infamous Sandpaper Gate incident at Cape Town, Lehmann has found his new job.
In case you didn't know...
In a ball-tampering scandal that stained a pale shade of black on Australia's bright color, Steve Smith and David Warner received 12-month long bans, along with Cameron Bancroft, who was banned for a period of nine months.
In the aftermath of the incident, Lehmann tearfully stepped down as the coach of the national team as well, just days after the Cape Town Test. He was away from international and major club cricket for all this while, as he only did some coaching at the National Cricket Center in Brisbane.
Meanwhile, Brisbane Heat missed out on the top 4 spot this season in the Big Bash by a point, which also meant that Daniel Vettori stepped down from the hot seat.
The heart of the matter
And now for a second time, Heat have roped in their title-winning coach.
Regarding the same, Brisbane Heat general manager Andrew McShea said:
"Darren has vast experience as a coach and as a manager of talented players. We believe he can hit the ground running, and work towards the Heat providing its fans with outstanding experience in BBL 09 and beyond."
McShea:
"It's a bonus for us that he understands the rationale behind the Heat from his earlier days with us, but this appointment was not about past glories. Darren stood out as someone who brings together innovation and extensive cricketing insights as well as a passion for success. He has made his home in Queensland with his family and naturally we are very pleased to welcome him back into the fold at Queensland Cricket."
Darren Lehmann expressed his gratitude and excitement as well, saying:
"It was a wonderful experience at the time to be involved with building the Brisbane Heat at the start of the BBL, and we had plenty of fun along the way, I enjoyed watching the BBL, and the Heat, during the season and as a coach, I am pretty excited to be working with the Heat players, who I know are as talented and determined as anyone going around."
Looking ahead, the former Australia international remarked:
"I am looking forward to getting to work and helping the Heat play some outstanding cricket, have some fun, and provide our fans with a great experience."
What's next?
Lehmann most recently worked as a radio and television commentator, but he is all set to begin work for Brisbane from next week onward.