The Hundred: Darren Lehmann appointed as head coach of Leeds-based franchise

This will be Lehmann's first professional job after the Sandpaper Gate

Lehmann resigned after the Sandpaper Saga in South Africa | Getty Images

The Leeds-based franchise for the inaugural season of ‘The Hundred’ will have Darren Lehmann as the head coach of their men’s team. This will be Lehmann’s first professional coaching job since his resignation from the Australian national team’s job.

Lehmann, who quit the prestigious job with the Australian cricket team following the Sandpaper Gate, is quite happy to be back coaching and he kind of expected to be picked up by the Leeds franchise as he has previous experience in the region.

The 49-year-old told Press Association Sport, “It's great to be back. I hoped I'd get the chance when I heard about it and I'm so excited the opportunity came along. It was a great experience of my career to play here, where the passion for the game is second to none. The connection is strong, I have so many family and friends around and I was lucky enough to be involved in ending Yorkshire's long wait for a county championship win in 2001.

According to reports, the coach underwent some counselling after the unfortunate incident in South Africa and has decided not to take coaching jobs at the international level. Instead, he will be ‘having fun’ in the T20 competitions around the world.

No, I've gone past that (coaching at the international level). It's more about tournaments and having a bit of fun. I'll certainly stay away from international coaching, I don't want to travel that much anymore,” he said.

Lehmann also tweeted:

Lehmann also talked about working with English coaches and bringing up some talent in England.

He said, “You'd be mad not to try and help young English coaches and work closely with them. I'd certainly like to get people from the county system involved and work closely with them, you're always learning as a coach so I can learn from them and vice-versa.

The former Australian cricketer is excited to watch Australia’s comeback trio, Cameron Bancroft, David Warner and Steve Smith, play in the Ashes.

I'm just looking forward to watching them play. The game has moved on and people have got to move on as well, I'm glad those guys are playing their part in a great contest between Australia and England. It's been an enthralling series,” he said.

(With PTI inputs)

 
 

By Sameer Deodhar - 20 Aug, 2019

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