As Paine rises, Langer could be fast-tracked for Lehmann

Cricket Australia may fast-track Justin Langer into the coaching position if Darren Lehmann’s future proves untenable.

Justin Langer could be fast-tracked in to replace Darren Lehmann

Cricket Australia has hinted at its immediate plans by appointing Tim Paine as acting captain and has the option of fast-tracking Justin Langer into the coaching position if Darren Lehmann’s future proves untenable.

Lehmann took over when Mickey Arthur was sacked ahead of the 2013 Ashes, but is under pressure as investigators began their examination of the events leading up to the ball-tampering scandal.

Steve Smith, who has been suspended form the final Test by the ICC, stated the coach was not part of the meeting at lunchtime on the third day at Cape Town where the plan to tamper with the ball was made.

Lehmann was involved in the move to hide the evidence when he was filmed by the local broadcasters relaying a message to Cameron Bancroft in an apparent effort to inform him that he had been caught in the act.

Wider questions about the side’s culture after an ugly tour where their behaviour has been widely criticised will focus to some extent on Lehmann.

CA wants to appoint Ricky Ponting its T20 coach and has had its eyes on Langer, who has filled in for Lehmann, for some years.

The other options include assistants Brad Haddin and David Saker, but there is an expectation CA will opt for a cleanout of staff.

David Warner and Bancroft’s place in the team for Johannesburg are also in doubt. CA has the option to not select them and is discussing flying players home ahead of any possible charges.

Logistics may restrict the disciplinary action as Peter Handscomb will replace Smith, but the only other players available are bowlers Jhye Richardson, Chadd Sayers and Jon Holland.

Joe Burns and Matthew Renshaw are due to play in the last day of the Sheffield Shield final today

CA senior counsel and head of integrity unit, Iain Roy, arrived in Cape Town with high-performance general manager Pat Howard early yesterday morning and went straight to the team hotel.

Chief executive James Sutherland will arrive and meet with the pair in Johannesburg tomorrow.

Smith met with Australian Cricketers Association chief executive Alistair Nicholson before breakfast at the team hotel yesterday and more meetings were expected through the day.

The investigative team and Sutherland are reporting back directly to Australia, with CA chairman David Peever promising to keep the public updated tomorrow.

Sponsors, broadcasters and even IPL teams are looking to distance themselves from the side. Both Warner and Smith are expected to lose their $2.4m IPL contracts.

Smith last night stood down as captain of the Rajasthan Royals. The franchise put out a statement saying “it’s in the best interest of the Rajasthan Royals that he steps down as Captain so the team can get ready for the start of the IPL without the ongoing distractions”.

Royals co-owner Manoj Badale co-owner said: “The game is bigger than any individual and we hold this thought close to our heart.”

Langer is the head coach of WA and has made no secret of his desire to take over from Lehmann, who was due to stand down at the end of his contract in 2019.

Former teammate of Langer and Lehmann, Jason Gillespie, believes Smith and Warner must go but was less certain about how to advance with the coach.

“Smith insisted the head coach knew nothing of the scheme during the lunch break,” he said. “We have not spoken since, but I would be amazed if this was not the case and that the moves he made when it unravelled on the field were not done on instinct to protect his players.”

Former England player Kevin Pietersen has been strong in his condemnation of Lehmann but he carries resentment over past issues.

“Slept on it ... Lehmann, Saker and the leaderships group’s jobs are untenable!” Pietersen tweeted.

“They’ve disgraced a great cricketing nation & Test cricket!”

The CA board still bears resentment toward Warner over his role in last year’s player pay dispute. Lehmann was a former officer at the ACA, but Langer has kept his distance from those issues. His role in getting Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh and Bancroft back into the Test team has been recognised as an indication of his mentoring and coaching talents.

Langer took over the WA job when cricket in the state was in crises after a number of disciplinary incidents and he has made a significant difference.

The opener’s dedication to the spirit of cricket and the culture of the baggy green is unquestioned and friends say he has been warning for some time that the national team was heading for a disaster with its reckless approach.