Darren Lehmann to step down as Australia's head coach

In the aftermath of the Sandpaper Gate and Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft's respective bans, Australia's head coach Darren Lehmann has announced that he will step down from his post after the fourth and last Test of the series against South Africa.

WATCH: "Despite telling media yesterday that I'm not resigning, after reviewing Steve and Cameron's hurting it's only fair that I make this decision."Darren Lehmann will resign as Australia head coach after the fourth Test against South Africa: https://t.co/BlZ8xAhK38 pic.twitter.com/oTvlprxC9X

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) March 29, 2018

Earlier Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland had clarified that the head coach was not aware of the plan to tamper with the ball in the third Test at Cape Town. Subsequently, Lehmann had stated on Wednesday that he would not step down from his post.

"As many who sit in this room will know, life on the road means a lot of time away from loved ones and after speaking to my family, it is the right time to step away," an emotional Lehmann on the eve of the fourth Test against South Africa at the Wanderers. "I hope the team rebuilds and the Australian public can forgive the young men and get behind the XI," he said today despite reassuring that he won't step down.

"Speaking to the players and saying goodbye is the toughest thing I have had to do," Lehmann said. "It's been happening for a few days and you think you can keep going but the amount of abuse just takes it toll. They made a mistake. Speaking to my family, they've had enough of traveling 300 days. This was entirely my decision. I have been speaking to the hierarchy in the last couple of days," he added.