Darren Lehmann is to resign as head coach of Australia after the end of the current Test series against South Africa.

The 48-year-old will advance down after the last Test in Johannesburg, which begins on Friday, in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal.

Lehmann, who was cleared of any bad behavior or wrong doing by Cricket Australia, had said on Wednesday he would not quit.

Previous captain Steve Smith, batsmen David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were banned because of the role in the sandal.

Lehmann settled on his choice subsequent to watching Smith and Bancroft convey passionate expressions of remorse at news conferences prior on Thursday.

“After viewing Steve and Cameron’s hurting, it’s only fair that I make this decision,” said Lehmann, who was contracted until the 2019 Ashes. “I’m ultimately responsible for the culture of the team.

“This will allow Cricket Australia to complete a full review into the team and allow them to implement changes to regain the trust of the Australian public. This is the right thing for Australian cricket.

“It’s been a wonderful experience coaching the Australian cricket team. I hope the team rebuilds from this and the Australian public finds it in their hearts to forgive these young men.”

He added: “They’ve made a grave mistake but they are not bad people.”

Lehmann was delegated head coach in 2013, losing his first Ashes series in England 3-0 preceding recovering the urn with a 5-0 win five months later. Australia likewise beat England 4-0 down under this winter.

The group won the 2015 World Cup under his administration and dealt with the demise of batsman Phillip Hughes in November 2014.

Asked what his proudest moment in charge was, he replied: “I would say the way we dealt with Phillip Hughes’ passing. We’re only playing a game.”

Sutherland, who likewise said he would not leave from his part, plans to have supplanted Lehmann before Australia’s limited-overs tour of England this late spring. The first day international is at The Oval on 13 June.