I worry about the banned trio daily: Lehmann

Former Australia coach Darren Lehmann, who stepped down from his position following the conclusion of the controversy stricken tour of South Africa, said how he worries about the banned trio of Steven Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft daily and hopes they will return to international cricket soon after serving their respective bans.

"They are all good young men, I feel for the three players especially, they're fantastic and I worry about them day-in, day-out," Lehmann told Radio FIVEaain an interview on Friday(May 6). "I hope they come back and play for Australia because they're fantastic young men and they've paid the price.

"For me Australian cricket is the most important thing and hopefully everyone can get back and play the right type of cricket that makes everyone respect and enjoy the Australian cricket team again," Lehmann added.

Following the ball tampering incident in the Newlands Test, skipper Smith was banned for one Test while Bancroft was handed a heavy fine. However in the following days, it emerged that Warner too had a role in hatching the plan to alter the condition of the ball with a sandpaper. Subsequently, Cricket Australia had conducted an independent investigation into the matter before banning the senior pair for one year and suspending Bancroft for a period of nine months.

In the past couple of days, both Smith and Warner have extended their heartfelt gratitude towards their family, friends and fans for having supported them in these tumultuous times.

"It's been a tough six weeks for myself, but I put myself in David Warner's shoes, Cameron Bancroft, Steve Smith... they've been to hell and back, haven't they? Hopefully, everyone forgives them. I'm sure they will. They're bloody good human beings and I love them dearly. I speak to them quite a lot. It's a case of keeping in contact because I worry about them. They're going okay," the former coach mentioned.

Lehmann recently had also expressed high regard for former teammate and newly appointed coach Justin Langer, who mentioned that the doors are open for the suspended trio to return to top flight cricket.