Australian cricket great Darren Lehmann has suddenly quit coaching in order to focus on a different career.

The 54-year-old stepped down from his roles with Queensland and the Brisbane Heat abruptly, just weeks out from the start of summer action.

Lehmann was acting as an assistant for the state team and the Big Bash League side but his career as a coach now could be over.

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ABC Sport has announced him as a full-time commentator for the coming summer, starting with an ODI series against Pakistan in November.

Lehmann had applied for head coaching jobs at both Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Renegades but was unsuccessful in both.

“I’ve had a great time over the journey, with so many fond memories from that time,” Lehmann said in announcing his decision.

“I wish nothing but the best for the future for all at (Queensland Cricket) and the Heat and thank each and every member of staff and the playing group for making my time at QC so enjoyable and fulfilling.”

Lehmann was named the Australian men’s Test coach in 2013 and led the country’s most coveted team for five years.

He quit in tears in March 2018 following the ugly Cape Town sandpaper scandal which also paused the playing careers of Steve Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft.

Lehmann coached the Heat in the BBL until stepping down in 2021.

He played 27 Tests and 117 ODI matches for Australia between 1996 and 2005.