AUSTRALIA'S BALL TAMPERING SAGA

Ball-tampering fall-out: Ponting-Gillespie combine could replace Lehmann

by Tristan Lavalette & Rob Johnston • Last updated on

Gillespie and Ponting are amongst a small number of favourites to take over from Lehmann © Getty

A dream team duo of former legends Ricky Ponting and Jason Gillespie is emerging as an intriguing possibility to replace Australia coach Darren Lehmann, who is expected to be the first causality of the ball tampering scandal.

As reported by London'sTelegraphnewspaper, Lehmann is expected to announce his resignation - possibly on Tuesday night (South African time) when Cricket Australia reveals its internal investigation into the saga that has derailed Australian cricket.

With Lehmann's tenure all but over, contenders are being lined up, with Ponting and Gillespie deemed to be among a small number of favourites. The highly-respected duo could come as a package, according to Cricbuzz sources.

Ponting, who captained Australia in 77 Tests from 2004-10, has impressed as an assistant coach for the national T20 team and was firming to eventually become the full-time T20 coach. He has also enjoyed success at Mumbai Indians, who he coached to the 2015 Indian Premier League title.

Sources have said that Ponting, who is also a respected television commentator, has been reluctant to dip into full-time coaching because of its heavy demands but could be swayed due to the astounding circumstances Australian cricket suddenly finds itself in.

Gillespie guided the Adelaide Strikers to their first Big Bash League (BBL) title in February. He has also recently signed as Sussex's Head Coach and is currently in the UK overseeing their preparations ahead of the county season. Gillespie took the role with the caveat that he would be able to spend much of the off-season in Australia and keep his Strikers role. He cited family reasons and wanting to spend more time back home for leaving his post as Yorkshire Head Coach in 2016.

Losing Gillespie so soon after his appointment would be a cruel blow to Sussex who achieved something of a coup when appointing him after sacking previous coach Mark Davis last year because of middling results and player unrest. Should Gillespie take a role with Australia, it would leave Sussex very little time to appoint someone new before their first County Championship match on April 13.

When contacted by Cricbuzz, Gillespie reiterated he was the coach of Sussex and Adelaide Strikers but did not respond directly if he would put his hand up to replace Lehmann.

Justin Langer, who played 105 Tests for Australia, is also said to be under serious consideration, according to sources. The highly respected former Test batsman was appointed Western Australia's coach in 2012 after cultural issues plagued the team. Langer, who had long been seen as the successor to Lehmann, installed a values system which helped transform the team highlighted by the Perth Scorchers being the powerhouse of the BBL.

Ponting and Gillespie served as assistants under interim head coach Langer during Australia's T20 series against Sri Lanka in February of 2017.

Meanwhile, Cricbuzzunderstands allrounder Mitchell Marsh is firming as a major contender to become Australia's captain with lengthy suspensions expected to be handed down to captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner.

Assuming he is not implicated in the saga, Marsh could make a stunning ascension having only returned to the Test team during the Ashes. The 26-year-old was appointed Western Australian captain last year and has impressed in the role, guiding the Warriors to the 50-over title in October.

Marsh and interim captain Tim Paine loom as the most likely candidates for full-time captaincy.

© Cricbuzz

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