Ball-tampering scandal: Ponting-Gillespie team to replace Lehmann?
Australia's most successful captain Ricky Ponting and former pace bowler Jason Gillespie are likely to replace, former team-mate Darren Lehmann, as the coaches of the Australian national team. Lehmann would be stepping down from his post in the wake of the ball tampering scandal. As per reports, these two are likely to take charge in these troubled times.
Ponting led Mumbai Indians to IPL glory in 2015
Ponting has been impressive as the assistant coach of the T20 team. He has now expressed his desire to become the full-time coach of the Australian T20 team. He led Australian cricket team in 77 Tests and is Australia's most successful captain. He is one of the brightest minds in the sport Ponting even led the Mumbai Indians to IPL glory in 2015.
Gillespie is the current head coach of Sussex
Gillespie, on the other hand, is a much more experienced coach. He guided the Adelaide Strikers to their first Big Bash League title in February. He is also the head coach of English county side Sussex. Gillespie, who quit as Yorkshire Head Coach in 2016, is reportedly keen on spending more time with his family in Australia.
Justin Langer also being considered for the post
Apart from these two, Justin Langer, a veteran of 105 Tests for the Baggy Greens, is also a contender. He was appointed Western Australia's coach in 2012 and has been seen as the successor to Lehmann for a long time now. Ponting and Gillespie also served as assistant coaches during Langer's short T20 stint with the national team against Sri Lanka in 2017.
Mitchell Marsh to be named Australia's captain
With Steven Smith stepping down from his post and David Warner also being involved in the ball tampering saga, all-rounder Mitchell Marsh is said to be the front-runner for the post of the captain. 26-year-old Marsh was appointed the captain of Western Australia last year. In October 2017, he guided them to the JLT ODI trophy with his brilliant leadership.
