Darren Lehmann could return to the team for the Tests in New Zealand depending on medical advice Andrew Matthews / © PA Photos
Australia’s coach Darren Lehmann will not travel with the team to New Zealand for the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy in February as he awaits medical clearance to be able to fly after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis. Cricket Australia hoped Lehmann would join the team for the two Tests that follow the three ODIs but said they would strictly follow medical advice.
Australia are set to leave for New Zealand on February 1 after the three T20 internationals against India for which they will be coached by Michael Di Venuto, the assistant coach.
“Darren is in good health and feeling well at the moment but is still awaiting medical clearance for us to be satisfied that it is safe for him to fly,” CA’s chief medical officer John Orchard said. “He is meeting with specialists in Sydney later this week and will have repeat scans on Friday to check his progress. It is anticipated he will be fit to resume work in the coming weeks.”
CA executive general manager of team performance Pat Howard said the board would wait a while before making decisions regarding a coach for the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy. “The health and wellbeing of our players and staff is always our first priority and that’s certainly the case with Darren,” he said. “We will await medical advice from the specialists before we make any decisions regarding an interim coaching role for the limited-overs series in New Zealand.
“We have strong depth in our coaching ranks and will make that decision in due course. It is anticipated that Darren will make it back for the Test series, but as with all the decisions we make, we will be guided by medical advice.”
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Source: ESPN Crickinfo