Ball-tampering row: Australian coach Darren Lehmann announces resignation

Darren Lehmann on Thursday announced that the fourth Test against South Africa will be his last match as the head coach of Australian team and said that bidding goodbye to the team was the toughest thing for him to do.

"Saying goodbye to the players was the toughest thing I've ever had to do," Lehmann, addressing the media at the pre-match press conference ahead of the fourth Test against South Africa, said.

Cleared by Cricket Australia in the ball-tampering row on Wednesday, Lehmann said he feared for the health of the players punished in the scandal.

Lehmann’s statement came after CA imposed bans on Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft for their involvement in tampering the ball during the Newlands Test against South Africa.

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"They have made a mistake as everyone else, including myself, has made mistakes in the past. They are young men and I hope people will give them a second chance. Their health and well-being is extremely important to us," said Lehmann.

The 48-year-old confessed that the players committed a severe mistake and wished for a second chance for them.

"The players have made a grave mistake but they are not bad people. There is a human side to this. I hope people will give them a second chance," he said.

The former Aussie all-rounder went on to add that a change is needed in the way they play.

"There is a need for us to change the way we play," he 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.

New skipper Tim Paine will lead the Australian side in their fourth test against South Africa, which will be played from March 30.

Glenn Maxwell, Joe Burns and Matt Renshaw will replace the trio of Smith, Warner and Bancroft.