Australia cricket coach Darren Lehmann says while he believes Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft must face the consequences of their actions, he fears for the trio's mental health in the ensuing fallout of the ball tampering scandal.
Lehmann, who has been cleared of any involvement in the disgraceful actions carried out in the third Test against South Africa in Newlands, defended the characters of the trio who have been handed nine (Bancroft) and 12 (Smith and Warner) month bans.
"The players involved have been handed down very serious sentences and they know they must face the consequences. They've made a grave mistake but they're not bad people," he said.
"As a coach you feel for them as people. They are hurting and I feel for them and their families. I hope the media and the fans don't forget that. There is a human side to this.
"They have made a mistake as everyone else, including myself, has made mistakes in the past. They are young men and I hope people will give them a second chance. Their health and wellbeing is extremely important to us."
Smith departed South Africa today and is headed back to Australia to face the criticism of fans and commentators alike.
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