Lehmann quits as South Australia captain

Darren Lehmann, one of South Australia's favourite cricketing sons, has paid for his state's dismal season, quitting as captain following months of intense scrutiny. Lehmann's decision comes less than a week after Wayne Phillips, the coach, also departed.

South Australia finished on the bottom of the Pura Cup table in 2006-07, only breaking through for a win in their final game. They had better results in 2005-06, finishing third, but were second-last and last in the two seasons before that.

Lehmann intends to stay on as a player but will be looking for better personal efforts than in 2006-07, when he averaged 40.46 and made only one century. Last season he was outstanding, however, and topped the competition with 1168 runs at nearly 90.

Lehmann said pressure from the press had played a role in his relinquishing the leadership. "The increased media speculation over recent weeks has led me to announce this decision today," he said.

"It was an extremely difficult decision but one which I have made after many months of thought. I have always said that when the time is right, I would make way for a young successor who I can mentor and work with, and I look forward to doing just that next season."

Lehmann, 37, has captained the Redbacks since 1998-99 but has not led his side to any Pura Cup finals and only one limited-overs decider, which they lost last year. He made his debut for South Australia in 1987-88 and in 125 first-class appearances for them he has compiled 12,070 runs at 56.93.

The disappointing results of this season were exacerbated by internal friction within the South Australian Cricket Association, which believed the leadership of the group was lacking. The team axed Greg Blewett from their one-day side in December and with Matthew Elliott and Graham Manou struggling to hold their places and Jason Gillespie not yet contracted for next season, captaincy candidates are thin on the ground.

Nathan Adcock, who has been on the South Australia scene for a decade but only began to establish a place in the side this year, has been mentioned as a possible successor. Daniel Harris and Cameron Borgas are also considered possibilities.

Lehmann said whoever got the job would have his full backing on and off the field. "I very much look forward to next season, when I will be wholeheartedly supporting the new South Australian captain, leading by example to my team-mates and putting more good performances on the board for the state," he said.