The Ashes 2013: ECB labels Darren Lehmann's comments 'incitement'

Darren Lehmann

The England and Wales cricket board (ECB) has come down heavily on the Australian coach Darren Lehmann and has called his statements highly provocative and inciting.

Darren Lehmann had been highly critical of England all-rounder Stuart Broad and had asked the Australian fans to send him back home in tears when England visit the country later this winter.

The ECB has welcomed the swift action of the ICC which had subsequently fined the Australian coach 20% of his match fee, after intervention from the ICC chief executive Dave Richardson.

The ECB has issued a statement which read, “England and Wales Cricket Board, having reviewed the disciplinary process undertaken by the International Cricket Council overnight, have welcomed the swift action taken and also noted Cricket Australia’s acceptance of the sanctions handed down to their team coach Darren Lehmann.

“The ECB, in supporting its players, management support staff and their families, believe no one in the game condones incitement of any kind and we will take all necessary steps to ensure safety on tour. The ECB now wishes to bring this disappointing incident to a close and will make no further comment,” reported Crcinfo.

Former international cricketers have been critical of Darren Lehman’s comments with Ian Chappell calling him a “hypocrite” 

It remains to be seen whether additional security measures will be provided by the ECB for Stuart Broad and the England team on their return Ashes tour of Australia.