SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 03: Darren Lehmann, coach of Australia, watches on as Australia prepare to take the field after the anthems ahead of day one of the Third Test match between Australia and Pakistan at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 3, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
Former Australian head coach Darren Lehmann has announced that he will not be returning to lead the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred competition during the upcoming English summer.
Lehmann, 51, cited the confusion caused by Covid as the reason for ending his stint with the Headingley-based franchise after just a single season at the helm.
While ambiguity surrounding international arrivals, departures and protocols played a leading hand in seeing the ex-Test batter resign from his role, recent health struggles were also said to have had an effect.
In February, 2020, the South Australian suffered a heart attack whilst raising the bat for his 50th birthday.
Said ailment saw Lehmann scale back his commitments with fellow short-form franchise the Brisbane Heat, with the career coach moving from a leading position to that of assistant at the Gabba.
Speaking in the wake of his decision not to return to English shores, Lehmann expressed that it was said circumstances that had forced his hand.
"It's with a heavy heart that I have taken the decision to step down as men's head coach at the Superchargers," Lehmann explained within a prepared statement for thehundred.com.
"As for many people, the continuing uncertainty around Covid-19, quarantining and restrictions begins to play a part in your decisions.
"The UK public got behind the new competition and I see it going from strength to strength. I thank the Northern Superchargers supporters, my coaching staff and the players and wish them all well."
Fellow Australian representative Marcus North and Supercharger's general manager Andy Dawson will be tasked with finding a replacement to oversee the likes of Faf Du Plessis, Ben Stokes and Adil Rashid.
Lehmann's former right-hand man Andrew Gale will not be in consideration for the position, given his contract with the franchise failed to be renewed due to his involvement in the Yorkshire country cricket racism scandal.
As reported by ESPN Cricinfo, Lehmann's initial appointment with the team from the North-East had drawn ire due to his five-game suspension for spouting racial abuse as a player in Sri Lanka during a 2003 tour.
As the current window for player retentions was opened on December 1 of last year, North and Dawson will be hopeful of inking Lehmann's successor swiftly.