Lehmann out of NZ series

Darren Lehmann has been ruled out of the upcoming Test series versus New Zealand after aggravating an existing shoulder injury, which will require surgery next week.

However, the 34 year old left-hander was confident of making a return to the Australian side for the all-important Ashes series in England, “I want to get the shoulder right so that I am fit and ready for selection for the Ashes later in the year,” he said. Lehmann will play in a Pura Cup match for his state side, South Australia, stating “I have been assured that I will not set back my recovery by doing so (playing for SA), however the shoulder would not stand up to the rigors of three international Test matches.”

Australian chairman of selectors, Trevor Hohns, said that Lehmann’s injury was, of course, frustrating news, but he reinforced the fact that the veteran would still be considered for future international series, commenting, “It is important that he has this surgery to enable him to continue his cricketing career in the future.”

The Trans-Tasman Test series is scheduled to begin on the 10th of March in Wellington.