Ball-tampering: Australia head coach Darren Lehmann to quit after Test against S. Africa

In an emotional media briefing, Lehmann says his decision is voluntary.

Australia's coach Darren Lehmann speaks, during a media conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, Thursday, March 29, 2018. Lehmann says he will quit after the final test against South Africa, citing the emotional stress of the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

Australia coach Darren Lehmann said on Thursday he would step down after this week’s Test match against South Africa, partly because of abuse his family received over the ball-tampering scandal that has rocked the sport .

In an emotional media briefing, Mr. Lehmann said his decision was voluntary.

“This will be my last Test as head coach of the Australian cricket team,” he said. “Saying goodbye to the players was the toughest thing I have ever had to do.”

Mr. Lehmann, who was not was due to leave the job until after the 2019 Ashes series in England, is quitting

despite being cleared of any role in the ball-tampering scandal .