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DARREN LEHMANN has quit as coach of Australia in the wake of the ball tampering row that has rocked the sport.

Lehmann has decided to stand down from his role despite being cleared of any wrongdoing by the Cricket Australia investigation.

Darren Lehmann fights back the tears as he announces his decision to quit as Australia coach
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Darren Lehmann fights back the tears as he announces his decision to quit as Australia coachCredit: AFP or licensors

The 48-year-old struggled to hold back tears as he announced his intention to leave the job after the Fourth Test against South Africa.

And he said one of the main reasons was seeing players Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft breaking down in emotional press conferences as they arrived back home having been banned from the game.

'SORRY, MUM' Cricket cheat Steve Smith sobs during Aussie ball-tampering apology

He said: "This is the right time to step away.

"I'm ultimately responsible for the culture of the team and I have been thinking about my future for a while.

Aussie cheat Steve Smith breaks down in tears during ball-tampering apology
The blubbing of Steve Smith as he faced the music on his arrival back in Australia convinced Darren Lehmann it was time to go
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The blubbing of Steve Smith as he faced the music on his arrival back in Australia convinced Darren Lehmann it was time to goCredit: AP:Associated Press

"Despite telling the media yesterday that I am not resigning, after viewing Steve and Cameron's hurting it is only fair that I make this decision.

"This will allow Cricket Australia to complete a full review into the culture of the team and allow them to implement changes to regain the trust of the Australian public.

"This is the right thing for Australian cricket.

"Like all Australians we are extremely disappointed and as a team we have let so many people down. For that we are truly sorry.

Australian cricketer Cameron Bancroft appears to tamper with the ball during South Africa test

"The players involved have been handed down very serious sanctions and they know they must face the consequences.

"they have made a grave mistake, but they are not bad people."

Lehmann then crumbled under the emotion of the past few days as the row which saw Bancroft caught using sandpaper to change the condition of the ball finally caught up with him.

Lehmann decided he had to take the fall after witnessing how much pain his captain Steve Smith was in
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Lehmann decided he had to take the fall after witnessing how much pain his captain Steve Smith was inCredit: EPA

Controversial batsman David Warner has been fingered as the main influence behind the decision to cheat in the Third Test against South Africa.

Lehmann added: "I hope the team rebuilds from this and that the Australian public find it in their hearts to forgive these young men, and get behind the eleven who are going to take to the field tomorrow."

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