Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland has faced widespread criticism after announcing he will not resign over the recent ball-tampering scandal. Speaking to the media in Johannesburg on Friday, Sutherland said he is 'still committed to Cricket Australia and won't be resigning', despite coach Darren Lehmann stepping down hours earlier.
Sutherland drew further condemnation by admitting he had not watched captain Steve Smith's emotional press conference. 'I haven't seen Steve Smith's press conference but I have had a lot of messages and will watch it,' he said. 'Our hearts go out to the three suspended players right now.'
Cricket fans on social media expressed outrage, with many calling Sutherland's attitude 'disrespectful'. One commentator tweeted: 'For Sutherland to not have seen Smith's press conference hours after it happened is either untrue or completely disrespectful. You need to step aside. You are no leader.'
Sutherland had earlier been criticised for refusing to use the word 'cheating' in relation to the scandal. Today Show co-host Karl Stefanovic delivered a scathing rebuke, calling Sutherland's response 'pathetic' and 'negligent'.
Meanwhile, Darren Lehmann announced his resignation as Australian cricket coach after the fourth Test in South Africa, saying he made the decision after seeing Smith and Cameron Bancroft's emotional public appearances. Vice-captain David Warner arrived back in Sydney on Thursday night, avoiding questions about Lehmann and failing to apologise for his role in the scandal, drawing further criticism from fans.
